Ah yes the Barley Mow is nice.
My 'local' is the Lord John Russell. Probably won't win any awards but seems to be independent and has a good atmosphere - nice mix of old regulars, tourists, students and intellectuals (and me ). The Boot is a bit of an old school pub, must be independent as it looks like there's been no refurbishment in 20 years. Both of those are a bit further away in Bloomsbury though. There are loads between Regent's Park and Tottenham Court Road station but I don't really know them.