The Clarence

The Clarence is the kind of pub you'll find yourself returning to when you want something reliably good without pretension. The fish and chips are genuinely excellent—crispy batter, flaky fish, and seasoned properly—which is rare in a tourist-heavy area like Whitehall. I've had the roast beef here on multiple Sundays, and while the carving trolley presentation is fun, don't expect perfection; the meat can sometimes be overcooked, and the Yorkshire puddings run the gamut from perfect to leathery. But that's part of the charm—it's a working pub, not a restaurant trying too hard.

The atmosphere is wonderfully unpretentious. Downstairs, you'll find locals and office workers grabbing a pint after work, the kind of place where you can sit for hours without feeling rushed. The upstairs dining room is where I'd take visitors who want a slightly more comfortable experience, with its skylight and banquette seating creating a nice contrast to the busy street outside. Service is friendly if not always speedy during peak times, and the staff clearly take pride in their food despite the occasional kitchen hiccup.

It's not perfect—the downstairs bar shows its age in places, and the tourist crowds can be overwhelming during lunch hours—but that's what makes it feel authentic. You're not coming here for Instagram-worthy plating or craft cocktails; you're coming for proper British pub food at reasonable prices in a location that's hard to beat. Skip the fancy restaurants nearby and come here for a proper pint and a plate of fish and chips that won't disappoint.