There is nothing which has been yet contrived by man, by which so much happiness is produced as by a good tavern or inn

So said Samuel Johnson, way back in the 18th century. 250 years later and, in London at least, the argument still stands up under scrutiny. London pubs are great (and that from an Irishman). Every friendship I've forged in the past year started in a pub, as it happens. And I'm not even that big a drinker.

Personally, I don't go to pubs unless I've arranged to meet somebody. But you often see lone patrons, book or newspaper in one hand, tipple of choice in the other, oblivious to their surroundings (so much so they don't even notice their neighbours sticking a lens in their face).

And with over 7,000 pubs in London, I reckon that leaves me with over 6900 I have yet to visit. Best get on with it then.