Randomness Guide to London

Image © Ewan-M

This week's featured article is Imperial, WC2H 7BL, a Taylor Walker (Punch Taverns) pub on a small side street just off Leicester Square.

Despite its very central location, we've never had trouble finding a seat here — perhaps it's simply too tucked away for tourists to notice it. It has four handpumps, which have featured some relatively interesting guest ales in the past, though there are signs that the selection may have recently moved more towards the mainstream.

Accessibility is not great, unfortunately; a step to get in, and the loos are accessed via quite narrow staircases.

Recent additions to RGL include Ambala, an Indian sweet shop on Brick Lane; Shu Castle, a Sichuan restaurant on the Old Kent Road; and Yu Xiao, a small Chinese supermarket in Dalston.

Several reported closures: Papaya in Rayners Lane, the Old Rose in Wapping, the County in Newbury Park, the Mason's Arms in Upminster, and the Skiddaw in Maida Vale.