The Phoenix at Denmark Hill

The Phoenix at Denmark Hill is in London (UK)

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Once in a while, let’s say about the same frequency as a year in which England wins a World Cup of some kind, you chance upon a hidden gem, a tenner-on-the-pavement gift from above, and you suddenly feel at ease with the world.

Not only is The Phoenix pub on a railway station - the earth literally moves for you every 7-12 minutes (16-25 on weekends) - but the name itself is truly lifted from the flames. The Great Fire of Denmark Hill Station, second only to 1666 in a recent phone-in vote, gutted the entire building and conveniently burnt out an area that is exactly the shape of a bar. Nifty.

Whatever is written on your must-have checklist when it comes to sniffing out a good boozer, the Phoenix, winner of the 1993 Evening Standard Pub of the Year award, ticks each and every box. Maybe even sets your checklist on fire.

* Cool location: on a railway station - tick.
* UV rays: PM-suntrapping windows and outdoor area with delightful verdure - tick.
* Interesting beers: Hoe(the)gaarden, Fruli(amazing), Leffe(youfordead), Erdinger(isn’tworking) and a Canadian Sleemans Brown Honey ale all on tap, PLUS their bottled cousins Peroni, Brahma, Belle Vue Kriek and the kickass 8%ers Duvel and Chimay - tick.
* Exceptional wines: more than 10 of each colour, including a top Australian Merlot, plus more champagne choices than you can shake a banker at - tick.
* Curious foods: fancy calamari strips and sweet chilli dipping followed by beef&blackberry&basil sausages with mash. Sundays are for trying the winning combo of roast main and cash-prize quiz dessert - tick.
* Convivial service: look like Toni & Guy hairdressers, talk like your mates - tick.
* Chic interior: bare brickwork, a spiral staircase leading to a cast-iron mezzanine and ventilation so effective you’ll hardly be able to light your cigarette, let alone smoke it - tick.
* Hodgepodge furnishings: jumble sale sofas and tables laze beneath the old station clock hanging like Big Brother’s Chantelle – looks good but never works - tick.
* Marvellous music: did someone nick my iPod? - tick.
* People-like-you clientele: reading newspapers, playing board games and generally wearing t-shirts that look like they need a good wash - tick.