The Hope, West Norwood, SE27

An attractive looking pub with some nice green exterior tiling, inside there is a U-shaped boarded room with the bar central. Leather type banquettes to the front wall, mostly regular chairs and tables elsewhere although there are one or two of the high tables. Light coloured airy décor, the lower walls are boarded and painted light grey. A framed history of the pub is on display going back to 1843. Matching fireplaces each side with what looks like a walnut surround suggest the once two room format, it isn't a large pub. Steps lead down to the rear to a tiered garden. The pub was buzzing on Saturday afternoon with a good atmosphere, TVs had Sky Sports News on, food clearly served but it was gone 3pm so no signs. Young's beers, just Bitter and Special on across the five pumps, my pint of Special was in very good nick. I liked it here, no frills but a proper old school pub with a good feel to it.

Randomness Guide to London - Hope entry

Randomness Guide to London - Hope entry

Essentially unchanged for the last 40 or so years to my knowledge. This is one of my favourite unpretentious Young's houses. I had a superb pint of Special at lunchtime the other day. Shame it doesn't do any food though – I would have thought doing something to eat at lunchtime, even if it is only a basic sandwich, would generate some additional custom. In fact when I was in there at lunchtime I did not stay for a second pint because I needed to get something to eat. Unfortunately the only other two pubs in central West Norwood (only 3 left out of the 8 that were there when I lived there!!!) did not have any real ale on so had to move on. But the Hope is still a good local and I would recommend it to anyone who appreciates the old-fashioned boozer.

The Hope is a proper local with friendly staff and excellent, well-kept beer (Youngs), generally fairly quiet but gets busy at weekends.