The Falcon, SW4

The pub claims that it dates from 1861, though this may be a rebuilding date, as it’s recorded as existing at least 20 years earlier, situated down a gloomy backstreet, a stone’s throw from Clapham North tube. It’s an attractive double-fronted building, with forward-facing patio, an interior of shades of grey or bare brick, structural columns swathed in rope, mixed lounge furniture with some opposing bench seats, hanging spun metal or industrial lamps, a dormant spinning disco ball hinting at more decadent nights, eclectic prints and a fine Bass mirror, blindingly bright projector showing silent football and a good jazz funk soundtrack, absorbed by a youngish and seemingly foreign customer base. A cask choice – of sorts – existed in the form of Ghost Ship ‘coming soon’, Doom ‘coming soon’ – no rush – then Landlord and on great form, served by an overly familiar barman: ‘There ya go, man’; after four halves of Oil I was glad to wash my mouth out, but it was a steep option at £3.20 a half This is better than average by SW4 standards and with the TV off and more ale on, the score would go up.

Largish corner pub with two entrances on the railway side. Four hand pumps, three reversed and the other Doombore. Rest keg.

A much modernised pub with a designer interior appealing to the hipster brigade. A large patio garden at the rear includes covered areas and a barbecue section, while the roadside tables out the front are more basic. Serried ranks of keg taps line the bar with a few handpumps offering Ghost Ship, Proper Job, Doom Bar and Old Rosie cider.

Lovely one roomed pub with low ceilings.Great outside seating to the rear and some out front.Very busy on my visit.Good keg selection and 4 handpumps.Adnams -Mosiac and Weltons -blackcurrent mild were superb.Felt comfortable to me.