"Few London pubs are as devilishly good-looking as The Hero. This corner of Maida Vale is a hot spot for signet rings, pints of Guinness, and anecdotes about Greek island holidays. Book a table early and bask in The Hero’s rust-chic downstairs bar. Have a beer and eat a scotch egg. Count the Birkenstocks. For something more relaxed (but with a more serious menu), head up to the dining room." - heidi lauth beasley, jake missing, sinead cranna