imperial college union bar, South Kensington, London

I spent many a happy hour in here, and indeed met most of my closest friends whilst propping up the wood-panelled union bar queuing for another bargin guest ale or a pint of Weston's Old Rosie scrumpy cider.

The now legendary "turbo Rosie" was invented here. Half a pint of real ale, half an old Rosie, and a double vodka top. You didn't need too many of those before you were vomiting in the roadworks in front of the Royal Albert Hall.

These days it's not as cheap a venue as it used to be, but still well worth a look in as you don't generally need any student ID, and where better a place to relive the old days?! Well in fact, the only choice since the excellent southside bar has now been knocked down.

When you get bored of the crappy student service, pop round to The Queens Arms around the corner.

Technically IC union is only for University of London students, but in reality they never check any identification if there's not a special event going on. If anyone questions you just start talking about fluid mechanics or something and they'll leave you alone. IC union bar is pretty good. It's divided into two parts: the main bar and the union bar. They both sell a good selection of real ales and the main bar shows sporting events etc. You can also sit outside in the quad in summer - very pleasant in the evening. The union bar is basically an 'old man's pub' with nice wooden tables and even more real ales. It's really nice and very cheap by london prices. An excellent place to kick off an evening.