The Jolly Gardeners

If an involuntary smile has crept onto your lips after reading this pub's name, you're not the only one. The passion project of five lifelong chums, The Jolly Gardeners is a home away from home for Lambeth locals and visitors alike.

After a great deal of pruning, preening and tender loving care, this newly renovated pub is open for business. Occupying a magnificent Victorian building on a street corner, the gardeners have gotten really comfortable with a modern gastro-pub vibe, rustic tones and billowing greens that breathe life into this traditional yet contemporary space. Before it was this homely eatery, however, this building had over 140 years of adventures, welcoming the likes of musical legend Charlie Chaplin Snr and the film crew of Guy Richie's Snatch for some filming! This venue has seen its fair share of London society through the ages.

But the time is now, and the same goes for their seasonal menu that changes to suit the produce available. Right now, you can indulge in squash bruschetta, potted rabbit with smoked onion relish, and perfectly marinated steak skewers. This is an innovation that places warmth and comfort at the heart. The pork and apple scrumpets are particularly welcome after a drizzly day in the capital.

The mains serve up winter warmers with gusto. From slow-braised short rib with velvety mash, wild Brixham bass and salt-baked celeriac, this is food that nourishes the body and soul. And like any good gardener knows, us plants need plenty of watering. That's why they're serving London-brewed beers. Travelling mere minutes from Bermondsey, Battersea and Brixton this is London by the sip. Alternatively, a Baby Guinness cocktail with Baileys Irish Cream is the ultimate winter indulgence. How suitably jolly.