Simon the Tanner

London, England

Here, you get to have your cake and eat it, too—a classic British pub vibe with an eclectic beer selection spanning points near and far.

What it is: Simon the Tanner looks and feels like a traditional neighborhood English pub, with its classic blue-and-white exterior trim affixed to a Victorian-era brick building, hardwood interior, and an array of real-ale hand pumps. But a closer look inside reveals a rotating bottle and draft list that perfectly marries Old World with New World brewing and offers the best of both.

Why it’s great: It’s in the heart of the Bermondsey district, on the south bank of the Thames and home to the now-famous Bermondsey Beer Mile, the epicenter of London’s craft-beer renaissance. On any given night, you’re just as likely to find rare kegs from neighborhood brewers such as Kernel and Partizan as you are taps and bottles emblazoned with the logos of international favorites such as Brooklyn Brewery and Westmalle. However, it never forgets its roots and is very much a local’s local. The munchies menu is replete with most of the pubby old standbys: pork pies, sausage rolls, Scotch eggs, the ever-present ploughman’s platter and, of course, the Sunday roast. And, of course, there’s a weekly pub quiz. —Jeff Cioletti

DETAILS Hours: 5 p.m.–11 p.m., Monday; Noon–11 p.m., Tuesday–thursday; Noon–midnight, Friday & Saturday; Noon–10:30 p.m., Sunday Address: 231 Long Ln., London Web: Simonthetanner.co.uk