A stroll along the Southbank is the perfect way to absorb the classic London scenery, whilst enjoying the hub of bars, shops and restaurants overlooking the breathtaking sites of St Paul’s Cathedral and London Bridge. When the sun shines, which it occasionally does in this country, what better way to soak up London than reclining beside the River Thames with a cool bevvie or three? Situated beside Southwark Bridge, The Anchor pub is one of my favourite summer hotspots. This age old watering hole has survived through the centuries, serving the likes of Samuel Pepys and writer/lexicographer Dr Johnson (whose dictionary remains on display). That’s the history lesson. Now to the point. The Anchor offers an unrivalled riverside terrace, and is the ideal place to meet with friends for a cool pint and some classic pub grub. Let us be clear; if cocktail chic and canapé sized courses is your bag, head to the Oxo Tower. But city groundlings like myself will feel far more at home relaxing in a ringside river seat and passing round the hand cut chips and Pimms pitcher.