Mother's Ruin

On the face of it Mother's Ruin is a low-key neighbourhood bar. However, this is TJ Lynch and Richard Knapp's place and a notorious industry hangout.

Bare brick walls and a well-worn bar give this place a lived-in, unpretentious feel. Seating is barstools and high tables - far from lounge-like. Mother's is a place where serious drinkers come to unwind, imbibe and chew the fat.

A handful of beers on draught sit alongside a cocktail offering. But there's no menu as such: the bartenders list each day's three or four specials on letter-boards either side of the back-bar. However, beer and shots outsell cocktails - the Pickle Back shot is king at Mothers. Comfort food includes a grilled Gruyere-Cheddar cheese sandwich with French onion soup for dipping.