Feeleys, SW8

I can only assume that Feeley is the proprietor of this Irish pub, built in 1936 for Young’s, one of their houses until 1993 and featuring on CAMRA’s inventory of pubs with historic interiors, this being of Exceptional National Historic Importance. The interior oddly is nothing special to look at but seems to garner the accolade because despite being simple, it’s seemingly virtually unspoilt; otherwise, I’ll leave the description to CAMRA’s scribes and photographers. Although there are dartboards to both left- and right-hand rooms, it’s the right-hand one that is pretty much devoted to the pursuit, well-used on my Friday evening visit. Unfortunately and picked up too by CAMRA, the – at least – four large TVs completely dominated the ambience, none watched, though at least two customers contributed to a good accompanying soundtrack courtesy of a jukebox. Customers were a surprisingly mixed bunch, both in terms of age and race, though probably all local. Three unused pumps resulted in a half of very nice Guinness, served by a smiling landlady. This pub is an interesting proposition because of its status as not having been mauled, but with the lack of cask and TV overload means I’m unlikely to return, but it’s a must-visit for those interested in pubs’ history.

Feeleys Free House consists of a right hand bar that I did not visit and a small left hand bar that leads to a small rear bar. The TV screens that are located throughout were showing football focus on BBC during my recent Saturday afternoon visit. There were only about ten other people present, but the small size of the pub made it feel busy. Despite the small size a dartboard has been shoehorned in to the right of the entrance. Most Irish boozers do not bother with real ale and Feeleys is not an exception as the three hand pumps on the bar were unused. I ended up with half a Fosters that was served by a friendly barman. I did not see any food advertised. Out the back of the pub is a brick enclosed concreted beer yard. The presence of some children’s trikes and a washing line made this area feel like someone’s back garden, which I suppose it is. Out the front are a few parking spaces for the locals. This is not a pub that I will be rushing back to in any great hurry.