Ciderous pubs

... as recommended by the london paper, the new freebie in the capital that does come off on your hands.

Forget Magners, raise a glass to other top tipples
by Ben Macgregor and Philip McNaughton
October has been designated Cider Month by the Campaign for Real Ale, so try a pint of the authentic stuff at these pubs.
The Nag's Head
53 Kinnerton Street, Belgravia, SW1, 020 7235 1135
Tucked away down a quiet mews, serving Aspalls Cider on tap and often a guest cider, the Nag’s is an eccentric little place to enjoy your tipples. Hardly changed in more than 300 years, the two small bars are decorated with a host of curios, from carpet beaters to 3D viewing boxes – and the fact that the bar staff are at a lower level than the customers is most peculiar.
The Dartmouth Arms
35 York Rise, NW5, 020 7485 3267
This likeable boozer, not far from Hampstead Heath, has a commendable commitment to its ciders. Aspalls is a constant option on tap and a fridge behind the bar is the sole realm of bottled ciders, which regularly change – at present there are about eight, including Black Fox, Gwatkin and Ice Age. There is a good range of sports on TV, a mini-library and an interesting array of hosted nights, including comedy and a quiz.
Chimes of Pimlico
26 Churton Street, SW1, 020 7821 7456
A stone’s throw from Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament, the Chimes of Pimlico is a cider lover’s delight – the wine list is described as predominantly “Wines from the Apple, Pear and Country”. Biddenden’s, Old Rosie and Westons Country Perry are among those available, as are tempting fruit wines and meads. The coup de grâce is Chimes’ mouth-watering own blend, which is available in half-pints or two-pint jugs. This place really does represent a veritable Mecca for cider enthusiasts.
The Pembury Tavern
90 Amherst Road, Hackney, E8, 020 8986 8597
The Pembury has 16 hand pumps and a regularly changing guest cider, currently WM Watkins Rum Cask (at 8.3 per cent, not to be messed with). The recently refurbished pub also has pool and billiards, a host of games, a decent menu (try the ploughman’s lunch) and free wireless internet. Drop by on 17 October for a Camra Cider Month event.
The Greenwich Union
56 Royal Hill, Greenwich, SE10, 020 8692 6258
The Greenwich Union is the only pub of Meantime, the renowned Greenwich microbrewery based in Charlton, southeast London. As well as serving an array of its own beers (chocolate stout, raspberry or blonde), Sheppy’s cider is always available here, as well as a couple of Sheppy’s bottled ciders in the cooler – they aren’t always obvious so don’t be afraid to ask.

Needless to say, when I actually get around to visiting these pubs, I shall let you know. Dear me, I'm feeling a little oscitant. Time for a pint methinks...