I'd go to the Founders arms in Blackfriars for a phenomenal view of the Thames. Steer clear of St. Katherines dock, somebody recommended it to a friend of ours
. Another favourite pub is the widows son. Around the Bow area it is (or at least was) really gloomy with rows of hot cross buns and hunch backed locals. Spitalfields is a good place for food as is Farringdon/Clerkenwell.
Well jealous of you.