If you're after 'ace little pubs', then Clerkenwell is the place to see and be seen...
The Jerusalem Tavern - St Peters Ales on tap/in bottle, old as the hills... but we'd probably fill it!
The Dovetail - Belgian place with food and beer to match... up by St John's Sq...
Al's - great pub with lots of outside space or watching the... well... girls. Exmouth Market.
Cafe Kick - also Exmouth Market. Table Footie and beer. Mmmmmm.
Clerkenwell House - lots of pool tables and a rather 70s design. used to have a mural including an image of an old C172, but they redecorated. Off Clerkenwell Road.
The Griffin, Clerkenwell Road. Less said the better...
Hersh