The Cyclist, Balham, SW12

Actually it advertises itself as a "Modern British Pub". Unfortunately a true boast, and accurate I guess as there are now loads of these madeover modern pubs, but not necessarily a good thing as I don't reckon you can beat a traditional British pub. Tradition trumps modernity as far as pubs go - in my opinion anyway. There are no real ales of course, but a handful of keg fonts on the counter to the left offer what is probably described as "craft" beer. A half of Beavertown Neck Oil was £3. You won't get much pub grub in here either; I did see "beer-battered North Sea haddock, triple-cooked chips, tartare sauce, mushy peas" advertised though. The room is J-shaped, with the area at the back on the right having all tables laid for diners. As you might expect there's exposed brickwork all over the place; ugly metal ducting covering the ceiling; and some dark greeny-blue paintwork. The drinking area has a mix of tall tables/tall stools and normal tables and chairs. There are no surprises here. It was doing a busy trade when I dropped in at around 6.45 PM on a Wednesday, so they must be doing something right. Not really my sort of place though.

Just popped in to get a quick look. Brighter than when it was Moon Under Water. Couldn't see any real ale taps. Says on the outside "Proper British Pub" I think I got the words correct.

Official site of The Cyclist - www.cyclistbalham.co.uk

Official site of The Cyclist - www.cyclistbalham.co.uk

Quite a small spoons with a fairly formulaic layout as you would expect. Eight handpumps with five beers on offer, Doom Bar, Abbot, Sneck Lifter, Ascot 5/4 Favourite and Oakham Citra which was to be fair rather good.Would I choose to return? No, but a rare example of a Spoons I rate higher than Aqualung (but only just).

A small and fairly dingy 'Spoon's, not helped by the dark wood. Interestingly some of the tables fold down, so it must get busy at times, but not much to commend it apart from some good beer.

Small Spoons with the bar left central. Space all round. Usual ale selection. One plus point - the toilets are on the ground floor!