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Olde Mitre

You need to be in the know to track down this tucked-away and unspoilt little spot ' it's a real refuge from the modern city nearby. There's been a tavern on this site since 1546, although the current building dates from 1782. The cosy small rooms have lots of dark panelling as well as antique settles and old local pictures (particularly in the popular back room where there are more seats). It gets good-naturedly packed with the City suited-and-booted between 12.30pm and 2.15pm, filling up again in the early evening, but in the early afternoons and by around 8pm it's a good deal more tranquil. An upstairs room, mainly used for functions, may double as an overflow area at peak periods. Fullers London Pride, Olivers Island and Seafarers with regular guests such as Adnams Broadside and Caledonian Deuchars IPA on handpump, plus eight farm ciders and 13 wines by the glass. No music, TV or machines ' the only games here are cribbage and dominoes. There's some space for outside drinking by the pot plants and jasmine in the narrow yard between the pub and St Etheldreda's Church (which is worth a look). Note the pub doesn't open on Sundays or bank holidays. The best approach is from Hatton Garden, walking up the right-hand side away from Chancery Lane; an easily missed sign on a lamp-post points the way down a narrow alley. No children.