Down the River
Pubs in Wandsworth & Battersea
PUBS IN SW18(N) WANDSWORTH TOWN CENTRE & RIVERSIDE
Please see our SW18(S) on-line guide for pubs in the rest of SW18, including Earlsfield, Southfields and part of Wandsworth Common.
This section of the printout of the online version of Down the River lists pubs in the northern parts of SW18, including Wandsworth Town Centre and areas near the river Thames. Entries have been updated by information reported up to January 2010. To buy the printed version of any of our local guides go to the CAMRA on-line shop at http://shop.camra.org.uk/
If you spot any errors or omissions in our listings please contact our Pubs Officer, Geoff Strawbridge geoff@coherent-tech.co.uk, with the details.
TRANSPORT
Stations
NR - Wandsworth Town
Access is easy by Bus or National Rail.
Use the TfL Journey Planner to find your way.
HISTORY
A settlement has existed here for centuries at the confluence of the Wandle and the Thames. The Surrey Iron Railway terminated here two centuries ago and there is still a street called ‘Iron Mill Road’. In recent years the riverside area has been largely transformed from an industrial wasteland to an upmarket residential zone. The brewery site that dominates the town centre is now likely to be redeveloped similarly although certain historic buildings and artefacts must be preserved. The site is still surrounded by many of Young’s tied houses, some of which are still revered as unspoilt traditional pubs.
PUBS
Pubs are listed in alphabetical order.
Photos are by our webmaster, Mike Flynn.
Facilities are coded under each real ale pub entry:
NR/LU/TL - Rail, tube or tram station within 1/2 mile:
AC - Accommodation
CP - Own car park:
DF - Disabled access + WC
FA - Children welcome:
GD - Garden or outdoor drinking area
SN - Snacks (sandwiches, pies etc):
ML - Lunchtime meals
ME - Evening meals:
RS - Restaurant
FR - Function room:
PB - Separate public bar
PG - Traditional pub games:
QP - Quiet pub
RI - Regional Inventory:
LocAle - CAMRA LocAle Accredited
ALMA
499 Old York Road
SW18 1TF
Tel: 020-8870 2537 Website: www.thealma.co.uk
11.00 - 00.00 Mon - Sat, 12.00 - 23.00 Sun
Young
Wells Bombardier; Young’s Bitter, Special, Seasonal Beer - RAiB: Special London Ale
Imposing Victorian corner pub opposite Wandsworth Town Station, listed on CAMRA London Regional Inventory of pub interiors of special historic interest. Much altered over the years but retains island bar and fine back-painted mirrors featuring birds in their natural habitat. The separate restaurant at the rear is renowned for fine cuisine and leads to a newly refurbished garden. Named after battle in Crimea. TV sports.
NR (Wandsworth Town)
DF FA GD SN ML ME RS FR
BLEND
111-113 Wandsworth High Street
SW18 4HY
Website: www.blendwandsworth.co.uk
Punch
No real ale
Formerly Space Lounge, Saigon Lounge, D Bar, Just So Bar and originally Foote & Firkin, now a cocktail bar
BREWERS INN
147 East Hill
SW18 2QB
Tel: 020-8874 4128 Website: www.brewersinn.co.uk
11.00 - 23.00 Mon - Thu, 11.00 - 00.30 Fri, 11.00 - 00.00 Sat, 12.00 - 23.00 Sun
Young
Wells Bombardier; Young’s Bitter, Special, Seasonal Beer - RAiB: Special London Ale
Recently refurbished in upmarket gastropub style but retains three distinct areas, one with 1930s wood panelling. Restaurant area at rear has a more contemporary feel. Occasional live music and quizzes. TV rugby. Was Two Brewers until 1995 conversion to hotel.
NR (Wandsworth Town)
AC CP(residents only) DF FA GD SN ML ME RS FR
BREWERY TAP
68 Wandsworth High Street
SW18 4LB
Young
CLOSED
Originally Ram. Grade II listed building.
CAT’S BACK
86-88 Point Pleasant
SW18 1NN
Tel: 020-8877 0818 Website: www.catsback.co.uk
11.00 - 00.00 Sun - Thu, 11.00 - 02.00 Fri & Sat
Free
Sambrook’s Wandle; guest beer range varies
Small backstreet local close to the river, renamed after a lost cat returned. Warm, intimate atmosphere with candle lighting, real fire and eclectic décor including some unusual artefacts and a modern stained glass window behind the bar. Upstairs restaurant a recent addition. Cask ales often from microbreweries, e.g. Slaters and O’Hanlon’s. Live music third Thu of month and alternate Suns. Formerly Brush and originally Foresters Arms.
DF FA SN ML ME RS
CRANE
14 Armoury Way
SW18 3EZ
Tel: 020-8874 2450 website: youngs.co.uk
12.00 - 23.00 Sun - Thu, 12.00 - 00.00 Fri & Sat
Young
Young’s Bitter, Special
Reopened in September 2007 with new floors, panelling, furniture and equipment after total internal destruction by flooding on 20 July, this friendly and vibrant local is now run by the former licensees of the Wheatsheaf. Sunday carvery. Live music or DJs Fri and Sat, Sports TV on request, Pool table. Heated covered area outside for smokers.
NR (Wandsworth Town)
FA GD ML(except Sat) PG
DITTO BAR & RESTAURANT
55-57 East Hill
SW18 2QE
No Real Ale
Formerly French’s Wine Bar
NR (Wandsworth Town)
EAST HILL
21 Alma Road
SW18 1AA
Tel: 020-8874 1833 Website: geronimo-inns.co.uk
11.00 - 23.00 Mon - Wed; 11.00 - 00.00 Thu - Sat; 12.00 - 22.30 Sun
Geronimo
Adnams Bitter; Fuller’s London Pride; Sharps Doom Bar; guest beer
A thoroughly modern gastropub lies within the Victorian frontage of this popular corner pub at the heart of an upmarket residential area. The refreshing selection of real ales reflects an enthusiastic management; this pub is the headquarters of Geronimo Inns. TV sports and Sunday evening quiz. Formerly Slug & Lettuce and previously Old East Hill.
NR (Wandsworth Town)
DF FA GD SN ML ME FR
FRONT BAR
527/529 Old York Road
SW18 1TG
Mitchells & Butlers
CLOSED
Formerly Front Room, originally All Bar One
NR (Wandsworth Town)
GJ’S
89 Garratt Lane
SW18 4DW
Tel: 020-8874 2271 Website: www.gj-s.com
12.00 - 23.00 Mon - Thu, 12.00 - 02.00 Fri & Sat, 12.00 - 22.30 Sun
Punch
Fuller’s London Pride
Contemporary style L-shaped bar and restaurant retaining some original features. Mainly young clientele but no baseball caps or sportswear after 21.30 on Fri or Sat. Children admitted until 18.00 if accompanying diners. TV sports. Formerly Waggon & Horses.
GD SN ML ME
GRAPES
39 Fairfield Street
SW18 1DX
Tel: 020-88747 3414 Website: www.youngs.co.uk
12.00 - 23.00 Mon - Thu, 12.00 - 00.00 Fri & Sat, 12.00 - 22.30 Sun
Young
Young’s Bitter, Special, Seasonal Beer
Unspoilt, Grade II listed early 19th century corner pub with ornate mirrors, sheltered patio and award-winning garden. Unobtrusive TV, occasional live music and piano available for impromptu sessions. A well cared for, friendly and welcoming local, the Grapes was CAMRA SW London Pub of the Year in 2005.
NR (Wandsworth Town)
FA GD SN(Mon-Fri)
HOP POLE
64 Putney Bridge Road
SW18 1HR
Tel: 020-8870 8188 Website: www.shepherd-neame.co.uk
12.00 - 00.00 Sun - Thu, 12.00 - 01.00 Fri & Sat
Shepherd Neame
Shepherd Neame Master Brew, Spitfire
Half panelled walls and a central bar contribute to the cosy atmosphere of this pub, acquired by Shepherd Neame in the 1990s and attracting a mixed local clientele. Popular Thai menu served besides full English meals. TV sports, including Irish games.
NR (Wandsworth Town)
DF FA(daytime) GD SN ML ME PG
KING’S ARMS
96 Wandsworth High Street
SW18 4LB
Tel: 020-8877 9859 Website: www.youngs.co.uk
12.00 - 23.00 Mon - Thu, 12.00 - 02.00 Fri & Sat, 12.00 - 22.30 Sun
Young
Young’s Bitter, Special, Seasonal Beer
Two bar corner pub with inter-war wood panelling and an open kitchen. Attractive garden runs down to the River Wandle, opposite the brewery site. TV sports, occasional disco and live music some Suns. Otherwise one of the better bets for a quiet drink in central Wandsworth.
NR (Wandsworth Town)
FA GD SN ML ME FR
KONNIGANS
344-346 Old York Road
SW18 1TG
No real ale
Principally a restaurant, formerly York’s wine bar.
NR (Wandsworth Town)
OLD SERGEANT
104 Garratt Lane
SW18 4DJ
Tel: 020-8874 4099
12.00 - 23.00 Sun - Wed, 12.00 - 00.00 Thu - Sat
Young
Wells Bombardier, Young’s Bitter, Special, Seasonal Beer
This modest Victorian building was a much loved two bar pub before conversion to a long single bar in 2003. It now has an enterprising menu and newly installed disabled fascilities. Mon quiz, occasional acoustic music.
DF GD SN ML ME FR
QUEEN ADELAIDE
35 Putney Bridge Road
SW18 1NP
Tel: 020-8874 1695 Website: www.thequeenadelaide.co.uk
11.00 - 23.00 Mon - Wed, 11.00 - 00.00 Thu - Sat, 12.00 - 23.00 Sun
Young
Wells Bombardier, Young’s Bitter, Special, Seasonal Beer - RAiB: Special London Ale etc
Victorian corner pub massively refurbished in 2005 and now largely laid out as a restaurant with extended patio and ‘heated jumbrella’ function room. Well kept beers, two open fires and locally adjustable music volume. Sun live jazz and acoustic music other evenings. A popular pub in the new style.
NR (Wandsworth Town)
DF FA GD SN ML ME FR
ROSE & CROWN
134 Wandsworth High Street
SW18 4JP
Tel: 020-8871 4497
10.00 - 23.00 Mon - Sat, 12.00 - 23.00 Sun
Free
Courage Best Bitter, Directors; Fuller’s London Pride
Rescued from London & Edinburgh to whom Wetherspoons had sold it, this spacious split-level pub with L-shaped bar still has the atmosphere of a Wetherspoons but latterly only a limited beer range. TV sports. Thu karaoke, Fri and Sat disco or live music, Sun 18.00 - 21.00 live music. Formerly Gleeson & Sons Corner House and previously Spinning Wheel II and Freeways but originally Rose & Crown.
NR (Wandsworth Town)
DF FA(until 18.00) GD ML PG
ROYAL OAK
135 East Hill
SW18 2QB
Punch
No real ale - handpump unused
NR (Wandsworth Town)
ROYAL STANDARD
1 Ballantine Street
SW18 1AL
Tel: 020-8877 3766
15.00 - 23.00 Mon - Thu, 13.00 - 23.00 Fri, 12.00 - 23.00 Sat, 13.00 - 22.30 Sun
Massive
Caledonian Deuchars IPA, guest beer
Small backstreet corner pub, recently redecorated to give a light and airy feel. Attractive exterior features pretty stained glass top lights. TV sports, Wifi available, fortnightly Thu quiz as well as board games and glossy magazines. Takeaway menus, plates and cutlery provided for customers to order food to eat in the pub. Was Tonsley Tup for a while.
NR (Wandsworth Town)
DF FA GD PG
SHIP
41 Jews Row
SW18 1TB
Tel: 020 8870 9667 Website: www.theship.co.uk
11.00 - 23.00 Sun - Wed, 11.00 - 00.00 Thu - Sat
Young
Wells Bombardier, Young’s Bitter, Special - RAiB: Special London Ale
Busy riverside pub to the west of Wandsworth Bridge, originally founded in 1786 as Thames Watermen’s Inn. The bars are linked to a conservatory and dining room at the back; there is an emphasis on food. Outside seating area looks out over the river. Sun live band, Tue Irish music, Wed quiz.
NR (Wandsworth Town)
SN(Mon-Fri) ML(not Sun) ME (Mon-Fri) FR PB PG
SPREAD EAGLE
71 Wandsworth High Street
SW18 2PT
Tel: 020-8877 9809 Website: www.youngs.co.uk
11.00 - 23.00 Mon - Thu, 11.00 - 00.00 Fri & Sat, 12.00 - 23.00 Sun
Young
Young’s Bitter, Special, Winter Warmer - RAiB: Special London Ale etc
At the centre of Wandsworth, this splendid, Grade II listed late Victorian pub is on CAMRA’s London Regional Inventory. Original features include extensive etched glass and an external canopy. The public bar to the left has a pool table while the back room can be hired for private functions. TV sports. A traditional pub for young and old alike.
NR (Wandsworth Town)
SN(Mon-Fri) ML(not Sun) ME (Mon-Fri) FR PB PG
STAR & GARTER
200 St Ann’s Hill
SW18 2RU
Punch
No real ale
Basic, two bar pub with back garden
TíR NA NOG
107 Garratt Lane
SW18 4DW
Enterprise
No real ale
Formerly Horse & Groom; Irish name since 1994 makeover means ‘Land of the Youth’.
WATERFRONT
Baltimore House, Juniper Drive, Battersea Reach
SW18 5SR
Tel: 020-7228 4297 Website: www.waterfrontlondon.co.uk
11.00 - 23.30 Mon - Sat, 11.00 - 23.00 Sun
Young
Young’s Bitter
Impressive modern gastropub opened in 2006 with views of the river from outside terrace. Seating inside arranged round tables for dining; nominated for Time Out Gastro Pub of the Year 2007. It is hoped to serve a wider range of real ales in future. Some jazz and opera nights.
NR (Wandsworth Town)
CP(beware charges) DF FA GD SN ML ME RS
WHEATSHEAF
30 Putney Bridge Road
SW18 1HS
Young
CLOSED
CLOSED in 2008 - reportedly for conversion to Young’s staff accommodation.
NR (Wandsworth Town)
This guide is published by the South West London Branch of CAMRA and copyright and all other rights are reserved to the Campaign for Real Ale Ltd (2008-2009). No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form, by any means - electronic, photocopying, recording or otherwise - without the prior permission of the Campaign for Real Ale Ltd.
