Just around the corner from The End, this used to be a grotty old mans pub that survived on a twice weekly diet of lovely ravers nervously drinking no more than two pints and getting ready to get mashed. We loved it then and the new incarnation is every bit as good - but different.

In the past two years the Old Crown has had a total revamp courtesy of a rather unusual team who also live in the place, and it is on the swanky side even for the West End, with individual hand towels, a piss-guard and piped music in the gents, delicious Italian nibbles, and designer beer dispensed from sculpted taps. Everything is spot on, the prices are OK and the staff are incredibly friendly and helpful - plus, they like their music.

A dapper boozer, and especially welcome in an overpriced sinkhole part of town. The plush upstairs rooms are great for throwing small to medium parties - and they let you play your own iPod.