The Pavilion, SW8

This pub looks good from the outside – but looks can deceive. This is a plain, unremarkable one-room pub, with some pretty basic tables and chairs round the sides. The room seems to be dominated either by the large TV screen in the centre of the side wall, which was blaring out some loud rock music when I was in, or the stage at the back that is apparently used for music events. During my visit there was a large group of people enjoying a party atmosphere. It seemed that I had stumbled into an end of work party for those who had been working at a shelter over the Christmas period. And a decent bunch they seemed as well – I had a friendly chat with a lady who undertakes this charitable work every year. But that was the best thing about my visit. There were two pumps on the bar – one apparently not in use, and the other sporting a GKIPA clip. OK, GKIPA is a long way from being my favourite ale, but is a lot better than nothing – but “no, we don’t have it”. Why do pubs leave the clip on display when the ale being advertised is not on? Anyway, I know it’s on the CAMRA inventory of pubs with heritage interiors, but I’m afraid I saw nothing to endear this place to me; I would have to sum it up as being characterless and uninspiring.