Fox and Anchor (The), London

Opening at 7am to attend to the needs of workers at nearby Smithfield market, in recent years the Fox and Anchor has begun to draw in washed out clubbers as well as meat packers - which makes for a surreally mixed clientele. Established in 1898, subsequent restorations have respected its original art nouveau decor, so much so it was bestowed with an English Heritage Award in 1994. It's unpretentiously elegant, with an emphasis on good beer, top-of-the range butties and friendly service. If you want to treat yourself, get there early and tuck in to one of their legendary pub breakfasts.