The Virgin Queen

Tucked between the bustling Broadway Market and Columbia Road in London, The Virgin Queen isn't just another pub - it's a love letter to everything that makes British boozing culture brilliant. This East End gem has mastered the delicate art of being both a proper local's pub and a destination worthy of crossing town for, which in London terms is basically like crossing the Sahara.

The moment you push open that heavy wooden door, you're greeted by the kind of warm embrace that only centuries-old London pubs seem to perfect. The Virgin Queen's interior feels like it was carved straight from some medieval craftsman's fever dream, with intricate wooden carvings that would make any antiques dealer weep with joy. It's the sort of place where even the regulars still catch themselves staring at some newly discovered detail in the woodwork while nursing their pints.

Speaking of pints - the beer selection here is enough to make any hop enthusiast weak at the knees. The Virgin Queen takes particular pride in showcasing East London's finest breweries, proving that not all London's craft beer magic happens in Bermondsey. The rotating tap list reads like a who's who of local brewing royalty, and the staff actually know their stuff without a hint of beer snobbery. They're just as happy to guide you through their latest craft IPA as they are to pull you a perfectly kept pint of bitter.

But let's talk about what's really earned this London pub its crown - the Sunday roast. Oh, sweet mercy, the Sunday roast. The Virgin Queen has somehow managed to solve the eternal London dilemma of portion size versus quality by offering both half and full portions, proving that sometimes the best innovations are the simplest ones. The full-sized roasts are generous enough to make Henry VIII blush, while the half portions are perfect for those who want to save room for an evening walk along the canal (or, let's be honest, pudding).

The lamb shank falls off the bone with the gentlest prod of your fork, while the pork belly's crackling provides that satisfying crunch that sounds like victory. And the Yorkshire puddings? They're the size of a small castle and exactly as crispy as God intended. The roaring open fire adds that extra touch of comfort that makes you want to settle in for the afternoon, especially when London's doing its famous "four seasons in one day" weather performance.

Downstairs, there's a games room that feels like your coolest friend's basement, if your friend happened to live in a historical London pub. It's the perfect escape when the upstairs gets busy, which it often does because, well, word has gotten out. The outdoor seating area might be small, but it's a sun trap when London decides to grace us with actual sunshine, and the dog biscuits behind the bar mean your four-legged friends are as welcome as you are.

The reasonable prices feel almost apologetic for the quality you're getting - this is central London after all, where a mediocre sandwich can cost you the same as a small car. The Virgin Queen manages to keep things accessible without compromising on quality, which in today's London is something of a miracle. Whether you're popping in for a quick pint or settling in for a Sunday feast, you won't feel like you need to remortgage your house.

One word of warning though - they don't take bookings for Sunday roast, so channel your inner early bird if you want to snag a table. The queue starts forming before opening time, especially on those crisp winter Sundays when everyone in London simultaneously decides they need a roast dinner. But trust me, it's worth setting your alarm for.

The Virgin Queen is more than just another London pub - it's a reminder of why we fell in love with pubs in the first place. It's where old meets new, where craft beer enthusiasts chat with lifetime regulars, and where the Sunday roast remains sacred. Whether you're a local or just visiting this corner of London, do yourself a favor and make the pilgrimage. Just remember to arrive early, come hungry, and be prepared to stay longer than you planned. After all, that's what proper London pubs are for.