Coopers Arms, Chelsea, SW3

The last time I was in here was in the mid-'80s. It was a traditional boozer back then and I recall a friend trying to nick one of their cut glass ashtrays; he was busted and the landlord promptly locked the door, telling a member of staff to call the police, before realising that given our age, the police might be more interested in the landlord's entry policy than mid-teenage petty criminals; we were let go, but banned. A return the other night and I agree with the other reviewers, that this is a rather bland, heavily made over pub, with gastro hues of paint, tiling and framed prints with all the customers seemingly dining. Alongside three unused pumps, there was London Original, Special and Winter Warmer at £2.75 a half and fine. This isn't really what I'd describe as a pub, but given the pubs in this area are seemingly so poor, it's better than average for the area, but nevertheless a below average experience compared to a proper pub.

A Youngs boozer in an affluent area. Fairly dull and opened out inside, with grey/blue walls and jumbo windows. To the rear is a small pseudo lounge with comfy chairs and tiled walls, leading to a walled garden. This would have been the nicest place in the pub to sit were it not for the smell of stale wee gently wafting out of the gents nearby. Just Youngs Ordinary and Special, the latter of which was in decent nick. Too bland in both décor and beer choice to warrant any sort of special visit. 5.5

Official site of the Coopers Arms, contains menu and beer list - www.coopersarms.co.uk

Official site of the Coopers Arms, contains menu and beer list - www.coopersarms.co.uk