“The Blue Bell is tiny and the only time a seat can be guaranteed is around opening time on a weekday morning.”
That is when I go to it, usually before heading to the Knavesmire.
I have been to the Calthorpe Arms once but it was a very long time ago. It must have been through several owners since, so I don’t know what it is like now.
The Viaduct Tavern is a good place. It is often glimpsed on news reports because it is just across the road from the Old Bailey. It has an interesting clientele, partly made up from families of people up before the beak and Fleet Street’s finest, drinking themselves under the table on expenses. All of them waiting for someone to come in and say the jury has reached a verdict, when there is a mass exodus.
I have heard many good reports about the Dog And Bell in Deptford but have never got around to visiting.