The Thieves, SW11

Official site of The Thieves - www.thethieves.pub

Official site of The Thieves - www.thethieves.pub

A very large pub owned by the Laine Pub Co, complete with its own brew kit which provides much of the beer for the pub. It still has the feel of an Antic pub which previously it was. Eight handpumps in all on the bar, unfortunately my beer was a bit warm and lifeless. I went in at a quiet time and it seemed to me a little souless, no doubt its a different story on a weekend evening. Unlike my beer I found the pub a little difficult to warm to.

Fantastic pub, has a bit of everything without spoiling each. Brew their own good quality beer, the main room is large and ecclectic, nicely relaxed. Gin garden to one side, music area, a food area and a massive games room upstairs. Excellent all rounder.

Just off Lavender Hill a short walk from Clapham Junction Railway Station is the Four Thieves. This is a large pub with seating at the front and steps up to the rear bar. To the right is a separate seating area that was busy with a student crowd who were in a celebratory mood whilst loud music played. To the left rear is ‘Gin Yard’ which is a covered outside area that actually feels like an extension of the interior. Those that do not fancy playing the table football can visit the games room on the first floor where pool, table tennis and retro arcade games can be played whilst watching live sport. Although there is no need to worry if this is not your bag because the main bar area is TV and games free. During my recent Saturday afternoon visit the bar was stocked with premium draught products and the Laines ales available from cask were Pink Grapefruit Sour, Cuddle me Bluff and Redrum. A very friendly barmaid served me half of the latter which set me back £2.15. Food is available and the cheapest burger I saw was priced at £12, certainly not the cheapest in the area. Fans of bare boarded ‘lived in’ public houses will like this place, but I am still undecided.

Very large pub, with a multi-room interior and the sort of distressed mix of furniture and decor you would expect in an Antic establishment. 'Boat House' performance space and 'Gin Yard' covered beer garden, plus an on-site brewery and gin distillery. Also houses another large venue upstairs (albeit with a separate entrance, although you can take your drinks upstairs since the first-floor bar isn't open). Six of eight handpumps in operation, all with Laine's beers e.g. London Porter (£4.25). Excellent.

No longer Antic but now a Laines brewpub.Now a one roomed bar with a slightly raise area for the bar.Brewery sits behind glass as you enter the pub on the left.Quirkely furnished with a nice case above the front door with stuffed things.Stainless steel pipe runs from the brewery across the ceiling and on to the bar delivering lager. Nice outside space to the rear.Six laines beers on and the Random pale ale and ESB were good.An improvement since Antic had it.