The Churchill Arms

112 Kensington Church Street, Kensington, London

0207 727 4242

As you walk into this 200-year-old traditional Fuller's pub, clad head to toe in hanging baskets and other greenery, you soon forget you are in central London.

The eccentric Irish landlord Gerry O'Brien explains: 'I have been here for 20 years now and in that time nothing has been changed or updated. People of all ages and nationalities like its oak beams and log fires, so I don't want to change any of it.

First and foremost it's the atmosphere that counts, O'Brien says, and for him this means one like a front room where, instead of music blaring out, people sit around and talk over a drink.

As O'Brien adds: 'We have no mod-cons here they're not necessary.

Having grown up in the Irish countryside, O'Brien loves flowers and plants, which explains why the conservatory, that also houses the pub's Thai restaurant, contains in excess of 100 plants, as well as a collection of more than 1,500 butterflies.

Bric-a-brac is another of O'Brien's passions, and what better place to keep it than in the pub? His finds include pictures of Winston Churchill and wartime newspapers, as well as memorabilia from Gaelic football, hurling and rugby.

Celebrations are also a big feature of the pub, including an annual celebration of Winston Churchill's birthday, St Patrick's Day, and various Christmas events, when the pub really gets into the festive spirit.

As one of our voters enthused: 'This is by far the best pub in the world, with the world's greatest landlord. He brings the pub to life and makes it so warm and welcoming. Excellent beer and Thai food too.