The Duke's Head, Putney, SW15

I thought this place was decent, although I do share some of derekwinchester's gripes about the tall tables and chairs and the re-upholstered sofas, which, as well as not being terribly comfortable, sit completely ill at ease with the splendid Victorian interior of dark wood and etched glass, hinting at something interesting in years gone by. Quite busy with football fans before a Fulham match, I had pints of Winter Warmer and Youngs Bitter that were in solid nick. Not the sort of place I imagine having many 'regulars' though, which is a shame and something of a growing trend in the Youngs pubs I visit.

Official site of the Dukes Head, contains menus and wine list - www.dukesheadputney.com

Official site of the Dukes Head, contains menus and wine list - www.dukesheadputney.com

This is a Young’s house with the usual offerings, plus the now more frequently seen Sambrook Wandle. The Young’s Bitter was as good as it usually is, and at the going rate price of £3.10 a pint. It’s on the CAMRA Heritage Inventory because of the remaining Victorian features inside, primarily the Victorian trademark etched and cut glass. There’s now a central island bar surrounded by a large drinking area that at one time would have been sub-divided into saloon, public and snug bars, and possibly a jug and bottle counter. I was told by the barman that many years ago there was a small “tuck shop” type facility in one of the corners selling tobacco and the like – but I suspect that it might been part of the jug and bottle service. I was also told that there used to be a skittle alley in the cellar which is still present under the flooring there. The pub is now bare boarded, with some ghastly high settles, high tables and high stools, and a number of normal tables and chairs. There’s also a tiled splash area around the bar counter. The pub looks to have been extended at some point towards the river, creating an area that is now an attractive restaurant area looking out over the river, with all tables set for diners. Most main courses are around the £10 - £12 mark, with the rib-eye steak weighing in at £18.75. Bar snacks include sandwiches at around the £5 - £6 mark. I had a “Marton Meadow cheddar cheese with Duke’s Head chutney” which came on standard sliced white, with a few leaves. I’ve never heard of Marton Meadow, but the cheese was rubbery and had less flavour than Tesco’s own. Maybe the main courses are better value, and no doubt I’ll find out one of these days. They were advertising a “meal deal” – two main meals from selected “starred” items on the menu, plus a bottle of wine, for £20. I don’t think that it’s the sort of pub that I would rush back to just for a pint, but maybe to give the restaurant area a try.