Winter is upon us, but that doesn't have to be a bad thing. Think red wine, hearty food and a roaring fire whilst you cosy up to the man / woman of your dreams!
1) The Lighthouse, Battersea
This wonderful local gastropub transforms effortlessly from a summer playground, with its huge decked garden, to the perfect hideaway for winter, with comfy sofas, board games and, yes, a large open fire! The seasonal British menu is excellent and the manageable but brilliantly varied wine list has something for everyone. Perfect for a relaxed date any day of the week.
2) The Anglesea Arms, Hammersmith
Another upmarket gastropub, the food here is renowned for its quality and the log fire an essential part of the 'old pub' feel. Lovely.
3) The Builders Arms, Chelsea
Always a favourite, this place is invariably jam packed during winter months. Around this time of year there's mulled wine on tap and the fire is always blazing - plus their Sunday roasts are legendary. Yum yum yum.
4) The Bulls Head, Chiswick
A lovely old-fashioned pub right on the river. With a log fire and the interior largely a mixture of wood and old wine bottles, it's a truly cosy little spot.
5) The Jerusalem Tavern, Clerkenwell
A tiny, slightly ragged looking old-fashioned pub (well, made to look old fashioned anyway!), this is a beer enthusiasts heaven. For the romantic however, get there early in the evening (and early in the week) and bag a table on their miniature mezzanine level - it's cosy romance exemplified.
6) The Dove, Hammersmith
A seriously cute pub tucked away down a small alley on the riverside walk from Hammersmith to Chiswick. With low beams and a flickering fire it's perfect for a winter date. According to the Guinness Book of Records it's got the smallest separate bar in the UK. A good bit of pub trivia and a good excuse for getting cosy with your date - two things which we approve of!
7) The Crown, Islington
This is a pub with a very loyal following. Outdoor space in the summer and a roaring fire in the winter, it prides itself on its seasonal food with fresh home-bread baked every day! Delicious.
8) The Yorkshire Grey, Fitzrovia
A proper old-fashioned pub - just like in the olden days! You won't find gastro food here, but you will find a charming, friendly and cosy drinking hole, much loved by its locals. It’s a Samuel Smith pub so no 'branded' drinks here, but it's wonderfully traditional, very good value and a favourite of many a celebrity, so keep your eyes peeled…
9) The Princess Victoria, Shepherds Bush
Lovingly refurbished and restored this pub is a Victorian masterpiece beautifully brought up to date. The open fire is in the dining room rather than the bar, but with award winning, high-end gastro pub food, you won't be disappointed if you opt for dinner. They've also got a very impressive wine list...
10) The Orange, Pimlico
A stylishly rustic and fairly upmarket gastropub renowned for its fantastic food. We've heard the wood-fired pizzas are excellent and we rather like the little potted orange trees dotted about the place!
HIGHLY COMMENDED
The Drapers Arms, Islington
Whilst we can't really include this in the main list given its lack of an open fire, The Drapers Arms is a firm favourite foodie pub (chef is Karl Goward, ex head chef of St John) and does have three lovely wood burning stoves which lets face it, almost count!
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