With its close proximity to the Barbican and the restaurants of Farringdon and Clerkenwell, it would be easy to treat The Old Red Cow as a quick pitstop before moving on to pastures new. But that would be a mistake: this is a place to be appreciated over a few boozy hours, not just a speedy half.
There are two floors, each with its own bar serving a fine selection of beers – look out for The Old Red Cow pilsner, along with a good selection from the brewery of the month. Unsurprisingly, given its location beside Smithfield market, the splendid food menu leans heavily on meat, making it an ideal destination for a Sunday roast.