Streatham pubs

Going by our past drinking experiences in the locale, this establishment probably wins the accolade of “best pub in Streatham”. It occupies an attractive Victorian building on the High Road and is traditionally decorated on the inside. The corner bar serves a small but pleasing range of Youngs/Wells beers that really hit the spot. The sign pointing to the Vine Patio leads you out to a small beer garden that offers fine views of the cul-de-sac beyond. The locals seemed a friendly enough bunch, not like the brooding psychopaths that can be found in some other local pubs. All in all, this is a pretty decent place, although the experience was marred by the appearance of Noel Edmonds on the telly. Finding a decent pub in Streatham is about as likely as peace in the Middle East. In other words virtually impossible. This place is as good as it gets in this corner of South London and takes its name from what is likely to get knocked out of you if you linger for too long on a dark night. On entering we find the place to be packed, which added further weight to the argument that we had just arrived at the best pub in Streatham. The choice of beer was surprisingly good - three ales adding to the usual compliment of lagers and Guinness. An eclectic mix of 80s and 90s pop music was just audible above the collective din of the pub's Friday night crowd. Finding a seat was a real challenge, particularly as the pub had undergone an ill advised refit at some point in the early 90s. Apart from grafting on some exposed structural steelwork and creating a new rooflight, the whole pub seems to have been split into a dizzying mix of different levels. The whole higgledy-piggledy maze was filled with people milling around and appears to have been designed to create maximum irritation. Negotiating a safe way to a vacant table was like participating in The Crystal Maze. The only difference here was the prize. Instead of being presented with a fake crystal by a camp bald man, we got to retain the contents of our pint glasses. Friendly local pub at the heart of The Furzedown community. Great Functions room available to hire, beer garden, accommodation and restaurant. Free parking (Thrale Road), disabled facilities, child friendly, live music, Book Club, Poker Nights and many more Now under new management As the RPF team head towards the giant concrete slug that is Streatham station, I realise that we haven't encountered a single decent pub since beginning our ascent of Brixton Hill. The Manor Arms proves to be no exception. Appearing to be some sort of overgrown council house, and as appealing to the eye as Bruce Forsythe in a leotard, we nevertheless dust off the fog of car fumes and general bitterness and enter SW16's equivalent of the Last Chance Saloon. Almost collapsing over a field of pool tables, I look up and find we have entered a large shed full of blokes, most of whom are busy standing around being Geezers. We purchase several pints of nasty yellowy stuff and sit in a far corner, listening to the wind howl across the bleak vista. The atmosphere soon has its effect on us: first we start arguing, then Doogal leaves. I go to the loo, and when I come back Paul is slumped over the table, head in hands, moaning to himself. It could have been me, I suppose, but like all megalomaniacs I prefer to think it was the pub's fault. It has a TV screen and may do food, but as there's a train station nearby it might be better to make use of that. Not reviewed yet.

Want to review it? Taylors is a little blue haven, tucked away at the top end of the South London sphincter of Beelzebub that is Streatham. The selection of drinks isn't mind boggling, but the atmosphere, calm tranquility and lack of people with "FUCK YOU" tattooed on their heads more than makes up for it. The food is great too. And, the best bit, Thursday night is board games night! Pub dice without Uncle Albert at its finest. Not reviewed yet.

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