Founders Arms

The Founders Arms was built in 1979 and opened in 1980 by the Dean of St Paul's. There is no historical interest here and no pretence otherwise. It's a modern glass-fronted Young's pub named after the Falcon Iron Foundry that once stood nearby, and you're here for one reason: the terrace view of St Paul's Cathedral across the river. On a clear afternoon it's one of the best pub views in London. Heaters and blankets on the terrace year-round, which tells you everything about the clientele. A good place to settle into the crawl's rhythm before the pubs start getting older.