The Boot & Flogger is restaurant and wine dispensary with a rich history that probably exceeds its status as a highly respected restaurant or wine vendor, for that matter. It is only establishment in the London area exempt from licensing pursuant to a decree that according to proprietor, John Davy, dates back to a parchment signed and sealed by Queen Elizabeth in 1567.

The locale is pleasant enough, decorated like an old country inn from the era when that exemption was allegedly issued. And patrons have been coming the locale to imbibe and eat for decades.

Despite claims in the media and social networks that the restaurant serves British classics, the only real "classic" on the menu is Davy's signature bangers and mash. The remainder of the menu looks pretty similar to any other modern-day restaurant in London, with salmon, not cod, as the available seafood item and several vegetarian and vegan items, including a veggie-burger.

Execution of menu by the kitchen seems to be consistently good. The staff is generally friendly and competent.

Several consumer reviews complained that the steaks were not up to snuff and that the wine list was unimpressive. I find it odd that someone would order a steak at restaurant that doesn't specialize in steaks. If you want a good steak in London, go to Hawksmoor or Blacklock or any of the steakhouses we featured in our list of best restaurants for the best steak in London. At The Boot & Flogger, order the signature dish, the bangers and mash or an assortment of items from the appetizer menu.

The wine list at The Boot & Flogger is exactly what you should expect from this genre of restaurant, one with a good variety of value-conscious wines from a host of the world's most respected wine producing regions, with the typical wine on the list being available for well under 50 quid. If you want an high-priced bordeaux, one of the city's highly rated upscale dining restaurants is a much better choice.

Summing it up, The Boot & Flogger is exactly what it claims to be. A fairly reliable choice for a relatively inexpensive meal with respectable service in an charming old-world ambience. And a respectable rendition of the British classic bangers and mash.