The Beehive, SW11

Small high street pub. Friendly barmaid but not much else to report. I walked here from Clapham Junction but rather wished I hadn't.

My visit to this small Fullers pub happily coincided with a small beer festival they had put on. So as well as the usual Fuller's suspects on offer at the bar, I was also able to try some well kept festival ales such as Titanic Stout, Elgood's Black Dog Mild, Nottingham Dreadnought, Castle Rock Harvest Pale, Hop Back Summer Lightning, Bateman's GHA, Oakham JHB and Everard's Tiger, each priced at £2.20. There were also four real ciders on offer as well, which seemed to be popular with the locals. The ales I tried were all in good condition and the festival seemed well organised, even if there weren't too many punters trying out what was on offer. The pub itself is a simple, single room layout with the bar running down one side and seating along the opposite wall and in the front and rear areas as well. There were plenty of stools along the bar, most of which were occupied by a cheerful bunch of locals. The room has a bit of character, thanks to some exposed beams and a nice bar area. Old pump clips line the wall behind the bar, suggesting that guests do make an appearance even when the festival is over. Some large potted plants and a selection of old photos of the pub enhanced the décor, whilst two large TV screens (one showing rugby league and one turned off) were available to provide sporting distractions. I certainly enjoyed my time here, and although it is difficult to gauge what the pub would be like on a normal day, the friendly staff and relaxed atmosphere means I would probably be inclined to return again.

Randomness Guide to London - Beehive entry

Randomness Guide to London - Beehive entry

This is a Fuller's pub, but with only Pride and ESB on. I had the Pride, which was OK. This is a small one-room pub on the main road. There are a few stools round the bar, and the remaining furniture consists of the sort of tables and chairs you might find in an upmarket caff. That's not a criticism, just an observation. The walls are adorned with old photographs of Wandsworth, and prints of old London. There are a couple of ficus benjaminii in large pots, but centre stage is occupied by what looks like an antique, or perhaps art deco, jukebox. It was pretty quiet on a Wednesday lunchtime with only a couple of regulars in, and with only (what I assumed to be) the landlord serving he had to go and make the sandwich I ordered himself leaving the bar unattended. It seems to be that sort of place. All things considered, it's a decent enough simple little pub that I would be happy to visit again.

As stated below, 4 pumps but just Pride and ESB on. I opted for the ESB which was served in a proper marked stemmed glass and was well kept. I'm not too sure about the lightly coloured wooden tables, I certainly prefer dark wood but despite this it is not an unpleasant spot. A single room with the bar to one side, exposed black timber ceiling beams (which I'm sure are decorative not functional), reddish wainscotted walls, pictures, mirrors etc. A collection of dictionaries, film guides, music reference books and the GBG are available, I assume to settle a few discussions. Two tables outside have limited appeal facing the road and traffic. Food looked honest basic fare at good value, eg sandwiches £2.95, all day breakfast £5.50, spag bol £4.50. I'm not sure if the music came from the jukebox or some 1972 K-tel album; "I'dLike to Teach the World to Sing" came on at one point! In all a no frills honest boozer.

This is far from your run-of-the-mill Fullers pub, but it serves its purpose well and the barman that I met was very hospitable. There are four ale pumps, two of which were serving up Pride and the other two ESB. There are also a few standard lagers etc. to choose from. There is a plasma screen on the back wall and another TV above the front door. This is a great place for a few beers, but I'm not sure I would want to stay all evening.