The 17th-century charmer houses many legends: that Charles II would cheat on his queen by sneaking off with Nell Gwynne here (probably false); that the composer of “Rule Britannia” lived, and died prematurely, upstairs (true); that dissolute artists Graham Greene, Ernest Hemingway, and Richard Burton all got wasted here (so very true, along with many other imbibers commemorated on the walls). It’s a prototypical English pub with character, down to the low ceiling crossed by dark oak beams, brick facade, and open fire. But it’s the terraced Thameside location that makes it endure. Sitting outside and watching the river, you’ll understand why Hammersmith was a favored retreat from the city for so many centuries. Arrive early on weekends to snare a seat.