The Dacre Arms, Lewisham

11 Kingswood Place, Lee, SE13 5BU

I was on the lookout for an image of the Dacre Arms on Flickr for this post when I stumbled across the joyful photo above. These ladies are the Dacre Morris team, pictured in front of this lovely neighbourhood pub in south east London in 1983.

The team began in 1981, and they are still going strong today. Indeed, on one recent visit to the Dacre Arms they were dancing outside and drinking in the pub after their jangling exertions.

I think the happiness that radiates from this image is a good reflection of the pub itself. It's no nonsense, cash only and there are usually at least one or two dogs around - basically a very nice place to be.

Cosy rating: 8/10 - lots of snug booths, swirly carpets and hops around the bar, but it's the atmosphere that truly makes this place cosy.
Secret rating: 9/10 - buried deep in the backstreets of Lee / Blackheath / Lewisham and not very near any public transport.
Best bits: Regular guest beer and a telly for sport - but muted so conversations can continue. The beer garden is a bonus.
Worst bits: Not a great place for wine - they only have those mini bottles. No food. But both minor quibbles.

Image courtesy of George Plempler - thanks George, I adore this set.

Whits restaurant, Kensington

21 Abingdon Road, Kensington, W8 6AH

Looking for a really special place for a spot of romance or a celebration? Whits in Kensington could be perfect. This friendly neighbourhood restaurant is run by the husband and wife team of Steve and Eva - Eva takes care of the diners while Steve runs the kitchen.

Food-wise, you can choose from a good but not overwhelming range of French classics and European cuisine with a modern twist. Their dessert trios are also splendid. They do things really, really well here.

You'll always get a warm welcome at Whits, and I can honestly say that the fillet steak selected by my mum during our visit was the best cut of beef I'd ever tasted.

Cosy rating: 7/10 - it's a naturally bright space but once night falls outside the candles help to create a lovely atmosphere.
Secret rating: 4/10 - Whits is the 11th most highly recommended London restaurant on Tripadvisor, so do book.
Best bits: Eva truly has a magic touch when it comes to greeting diners and making them feel at home.
Worst bits: The prices mean that you're unlikely to pop here for a quick bite to eat on a regular basis, but it's definitely one to keep up your sleeve when you want to splash out.

The Scarsdale Tavern, Kensington

Take off your hat and relax at the Scarsdale

Nestled on a corner of one of London's loveliest (private) squares, The Scarsdale Tavern is a picture perfect Fuller's pub, so much so that it featured on their 2010 TV adverts. Apparently it was also the local pub in the 1970s series The Professionals.

Despite its star-studded credentials, and being located just off Kensington High Street, the Scarsdale still manages to retain a kind of country pub atmosphere.

There's a little restaurant section at the back which is nice for a special occasion, but I'd recommend finding yourself your own softly lit corner in the main area and trying out some of their better-value bar food.

Cosy rating: 8/10 - fireplaces, candles and table lamps dotted all over the place. This is one seriously pretty pub.
Secret rating: 7/10 - feels like a world away from Kensington High Street, located on a leafy road which would certainly impress any visitors to London.
Best bits: You're unlikely to find a more attractive pub, both inside and outside.
Worst bits: Its terrace out the front - which blooms spectacularly in the summer - can get a little packed on sunny evenings.