Our friendly local gives Wetherspoon's a run for its money!

One of the delights of student living is you soon get to know which offer is on at which pub when. For example, tomorrow is a Thursday, which means if you get yourself to your nearest Wetherspoon's you'll find it's 'curry club' night; a drink and a korma can be yours for a bargain price. We don't like Wetherspoon's that much around here at Eat London, however, as the service tends towards the naff and the decor tends towards the drab. It's one of those funny chains where the pub element comes second to the cheap food, and suffers a lack of ambience as a result. You also tend to get the feeling they want you in and out as speedily as you can gulp down a Guiness.

If you're in London, none of that need bother you. A short trip to Camden will ease your value lunchtime needs in no time, as it's home to The Black Cap, one of the oddest little pubs you'll ever visit. The Black Cap is essentially an independent pub with chain pub food. It's very open and friendly and the clientele is definitely mixed so everyone is welcome, which is just as well as they have the best burger+beer combo I've yet to come across.


Starting at about £5 for a standard burger, chips and a pint it's a low cost option that's guaranteed to satisfy your junk food cravings. We pushed the boat out and went for the £6.49 Gourmet Burger, again with pint included. Unlike the Wetherspoon's gourmet, this burger comes with two whole patties of beef, alongside the usual stacked trimmings of onion rings, bacon and delicious BBQ sauces. You also get an extra large portion of chips; this is again a world away from the stingy handful you seem to get at Wetherspoons which is really no good for washing down your pint. This gourmet burger is a real mouthful; I had the chicken version which was just as succulent and huge as the beef, which Kim wasn't even able to finish.

I can't recommend this little place enough. With a charming roof terrace for smokers and outdoor diners and a slightly bizarre cabaret club beneath the pub for those looking to stay and party all night, it's definitely worth a visit. The food is cheap and plentiful and the vibe is carefree and fun; go there, you'll love it!

Michelle