The Prince Of Wales, Kennington, SE11

Homely Shepherd Neame pub, comprising a small 'L'-shaped bar extended at the rear into a partially opened-out back room. Seating supplemented by a few tables out front. Choice of Spitfire, Kents Best and Early Bird (£3.70) from the five handpumps. Overall, this place has a nice relaxed feel and is well worth seeking out. (NB - Review dates from April 2012.)

Randomness Guide to London - Prince Of Wales entry

Randomness Guide to London - Prince Of Wales entry

This is a Shepherd Neame house, but with only Whitstable and Kent's Best on when I was in at lunchtime during the week. The Kent's Best was pretty good, and at £3.10 a pint the price I am used to paying in London. The pub is tucked away in a corner of the secluded backwater of Cleaver Square, away from the nearby main thoroughfares. In my opinion it's a hidden backstreet gem. It looks good from the outside, with its colourful hanging baskets and wisteria with a few late flowers. It is a fairly imposing and attractive red brick building. Inside it's a small well-maintained pub with a handful of tables and chairs. There's also a couple of tables and chairs outside at the front, primarily for smokers I presume, but very welcome for yours truly sitting outside on a warm September afternoon. In my view this is easily the best pub in the area, and well worth seeking out for a pint or two.

This pub is in a great location tucked away in the corner of a square so avoiding any passing trade. It isn't the biggest place and I'm not the biggest Shepherd Neame fan, but I thought that this was a good place to read a paper over a quiet pint – especially due to the lack of any background music or sport on the TV. The staff were all friendly, but there were too many people dining for my liking and it would be nice to see another table or two added to the one already found out the front overlooking the square. I wouldn't travel across London to drink here, but it is worth the short walk from Kennington Tube Station for a couple of pints.

In a way this is a great pub, nice small & cosy - in the summer you can take beer outside to enjoy in the quiet square. But I'd only give it 3 stars as it's so pricey!