The Sutton Arms, EC1

Let me tell you about The Sutton Arms in London's EC1 - the kind of pub that makes you cancel all your other plans and text your friends "GET HERE NOW!" This beloved local institution isn't just another London watering hole; it's where ordinary evenings transform into the stories you'll still be telling next year.

Just steps from the Barbican, The Sutton Arms is that perfect blend of classic British pub charm and "how did I not know about this place sooner?" energy. The moment you walk through that door, you'll feel like you've discovered London's best-kept secret - and trust me, you'll want to keep it all to yourself (but you won't be able to).

Picture this: You're nestled in their gorgeous bay window, golden hour light streaming in, perfectly pulled pint of London Pride in hand, watching the world rush by while you've found your own little slice of London heaven. Or maybe you're upstairs in their wine room (oh yes, there's a WINE ROOM), feeling fancy-but-not-too-fancy as you sample different varieties from their wine dispensing machine like some sort of sophisticated mad scientist.

Speaking of that wine room - it's basically an adult playground for anyone who's ever wanted to be a sommelier for a night. Get yourself a card, choose your pour size, and suddenly you're hosting your own private wine tasting. It's the kind of setup that turns "just one quick drink" into "wait, how is it already 10pm?"

The ground floor is where the magic happens though. It's cozy without being cramped, bustling without being overwhelming, and somehow manages to feel both traditional and totally current at the same time. The bar staff? They're the kind who remember your usual after just two visits and make every newcomer feel like they've been coming here for years.

Let's talk about what's behind that bar because HOLY MOLY. We're talking four rotating cask ales that would make any beer enthusiast weak at the knees. Their spirits selection? chef's kiss Whether you're a gin aficionado or a whiskey wanderer, they've got you covered. And if you get peckish? Their toasties are the stuff of legend - the kind of simple-but-perfect pub grub that tastes even better after your second pint.

Dog lovers, rejoice! Your four-legged friends are welcome here, which means you can combine your afternoon walk with a cheeky pint. Is there anything better than a pub where you can scratch a good boy's ears while sipping your favorite craft beer? (The answer is no, there is not.)

The outside standing area is perfect for those balmy London evenings when you want to feel like you're in a Richard Curtis movie. It's on a relatively quiet street, so you can actually hear your friends' latest gossip without having to shout. IMAGINE THAT.

Here's some insider intel: The Sutton Arms is absolutely perfect for pre-theatre drinks if you're heading to the Barbican, but don't just limit yourself to a quick pop-in. This is the kind of place where you want to cancel your other plans and settle in for the evening. The upstairs space is brilliant for small groups - book it for your birthday and thank me later.

Pro tip: They take cards (including contactless), so no need to hit the cash point. But fair warning - once you've experienced their hospitality, you'll find yourself making excuses to be in EC1 just to pop in for "one quick drink" (spoiler alert: it's never just one).

Look, I'm just going to say it: The Sutton Arms is everything you want a London pub to be, and then some. It's where after-work drinks turn into impromptu reunions, where first dates become unforgettable evenings, and where "I'll just stay for one" becomes "shall we get another round?" Every time. So do yourself a favor - get to The Sutton Arms in EC1 before everyone else discovers your new favorite London pub. Because trust me, once you've been, you'll never want to meet anywhere else.