Nolan's, South Lambeth, SW8

Originally the Prince of Wales, this is a mid-19th century pub still retaining its Courage sign bracket and fine tiled Courage panel to the rear (see photo). The interior is unsurprisingly rather basic with a pale boarded floor, grey wainscoting to an otherwise royal blue wall with white Anaglypta ceiling, decent and traditional bar front, back and pot shelf probably dating from at least the ‘50s. Pale wood furniture is basic to the point that some of it actually looks homemade, décor arriving in the form of some framed signed sports shirts (possibly hurling), two shelves groaning under the weight of sports’ trophies and a large fluffy black and white cat roaming around; entertainment amounts to pool, darts and distracting football commentary, all being soaked up by a mixed local crowd. No cask unsurprisingly, with a half of Stella at £2.75, served by a friendly landlady. This is a simple place which fulfils its intended purpose, but I think you really have to be part of the in-crowd to enjoy it to its fullest and not be too fussy about what you drink.

There was no real ale available when I visited on Tuesday afternoon, although there were four ancient looking handpumps on the bar. There was no sign of any food either. This is a very basic locals’ pub. It’s clearly branded as an Irish pub – the name, the green livery, and the Guinness adverts and signage inside make this a certainty. This pub is essentially one long room, although a step up halfway along the room shows where it would have been divided in the past. There’s lino on the floor in the front part of the room, but the “back room” is bare-boarded. At the front is a pool table and dartboard just as you enter, and a second dartboard is at the far end of the room. The TV was on, showing the racing, presumably for the benefit of the barman and the one other punter who was in. It’s that sort of pub. I’m sure it must do more trade in the evenings, especially as its two nearest competitors – The Wheatsheaf and The Gladstone – have closed. This one is OK – as long as you like these basic boozers and are happy to do without real ale.