Blue Boar

Mr Dailey has been running this 17th-c thatched stone pub for 32 years now (though his friendly staff tend to be more in evidence) and the atmosphere remains bustling and relaxed – helped by the genuine mix of both diners and chatty locals. The three low-beamed, characterful little rooms are warmly traditional with well worn fixtures and furnishings and two blazing log fires, one beside a fine old settle. Brasses, hops and assorted knick-knacks like skis and an old clocking-in machine line the ceilings and walls, there are fresh flowers on the bar and scrubbed wooden tables, and faded rugs on the tiled floor; benches are firmly wooden rather than upholstered. The main eating area is the red-painted room at the end and there's a quieter restaurant extension, too. Brakspears Bitter, Fullers London Pride and a guest like Prescott Hill Climb on handpump, 20 malt whiskies, nine wines by the glass, summer Pimms and quite a few brandies and ports. There are tables in front and on the back terrace, and the Thames is a short walk away.