Nell Gwynne Tavern, Covent Garden

1-2 Bull Inn Court, Strand, London, WC2R 0NP

I recently visited the Adelphi Theatre on the Strand where I was lucky enough to watch Michael Ball and Imelda Staunton perform in Sweeney Todd. During the interval we managed to squeeze in a visit to the Nell Gwynne to knock back a quick glass of plonk.

I can't think of a more apt place to spend 15 minutes mid-way through a Victorian horror story. Located just outside the theatre's stage door, entering this alleyway pub really feels as if you've stepped back in time.

Sadly you're unlikely to get a seat in here most nights as it is absolutely tiny, but I'd very much recommend an interval visit if you are at the Adelphi - much more character (and cheaper!) than the theatre's own bars.

Cosy rating: 8/10 - Dimly lit and full of olde-worlde paraphernalia.
Secret rating: 5/10 - I must have walked past this alleyway hundreds of times over the years, but never spotted the Nell Gwynne. Sadly, plenty of others have done, and even on a Tuesday night it doesn't take much for this pub to fill up.
Best bits: If you do go here during an interval look out for people dressed in black - chances are they are stage hands or musicians from the Adelphi who have also popped in for a quick interval drink, which also explains why groups dressed in black tend to get served first during this brief window.
Worst bits: The lavatories are located down an incredibly steep and narrow staircase.