recommend a good pub in central London........

cheers! Ended up at the Royal Albert on New Cross Rd, a perfectly serviceable Antic pub.

That would have been my recommendation as well. I have a soft spot for the Marquis of Granby as well but I can see that's not for everyone.

the Marquis looks a bit more rough and ready right? Antic pubs are ten a penny these days but they do have the considerable virtue of serving good beer well

The Albert is probably the best of all of them, mind. Helps that it opens late and was actually a pub before they took it on, so it has the right look and feel.