Fox and Anchor, 115 Charterhouse St., EC1 (tel. 020/7253-5075), is a favorite among early-morning pub crawlers and club trawlers who fancy a pint and a bite to start (or end) the day. The array of breakfast goodies is "gut-busting" -- everything from black pudding to fried bread and baked beans. After the "full house" breakfast here (including at least eight breakfast items, such as sausage or black pudding), you won't be ready to eat again until the following morning.

Grenadier, 18 Wilton Row, SW1 (tel. 020/7235-3074), was the favorite of the Duke of Wellington's officers, who downed many a pint here on leave from fighting Napoleon's troops. It's a traditional pub with the aura of 19th-century England pervading, thanks to the portrait of the Duke of Wellington hanging over the fireplace, the wooden stools and benches, and the pewter-topped bar counter.

The Cow, 89 Westbourne Park Rd., W2 (tel. 020/7221-0021), attracts patrons who haven't been in an English pub for years. Leading the revolution in upgrading pub cuisine, The Cow manages to secure the biggest and juiciest oysters in town. Ox tongue poached in milk? Don't knock it 'til you've tried it.

Red Lion, 2 Duke of York St., SW1 (tel. 020/7321-0782), is where you'd take Oscar Wilde if he should miraculously reappear. The writer would feel that nothing had changed in London since his departure. As you gaze upon the Belle Epoque decorations, you'll think Victoria is still on the throne.

Salisbury, 90 St. Martin's Lane, WC2 (tel. 020/7836-5863), decked out in Art Deco, is the ideal spot for a pint in the theater district. Regrettably, Lord Olivier isn't around anymore, but you just might spot a young actor who will be the Olivier of 2010.

Nag's Head, 53 Kinnerton St., SW1 (tel. 020/7235-1135), is where you go to escape tourists and hang with the locals. This quaint discovery is one of the most unspoiled pubs in London. Only minutes from Harrods, it's intimate and traditional, like something you'd encounter in a country village in Devon.