The Spencer Arms, Putney, SW15

It was a bit of a nightmare journey trying to get here by bus from Teddington, but I eventually arrived soaked into a pub full of diners having their Sunday lunches. All tables were set out for dining, with most having reserved signs on. Luckily the switched on barman saw that I was struggling to find anywhere to sit and directed me to a Chesterfield with a chest for a table. The pub seems nice enough with wooden floors and the occasional rug, a TV in the corner, a few pot plants scattered around and a fireplace on the left-hand wall below a mirror and with some books on the mantlepiece. Dogs and children are allowed and were both present in numbers. It didn't feel like the sort of place that would show live sporting events, but the Six Nations tournament was advertised. For my visit, music had replaced any visual entertainment. The 2 cask ales were Sambrook's Wandle & Wimbledon Copper Leaf. There was a spare handpull in addition to these. Keg beers included Beavertown Neck Oil, Hidden New England IPA & By The Horns Squeezer. Nothing appealed and I ended up having a soft drink. Another disappointment on my tour of the only remaining London Good Beer Guide pubs I had left to do. This is an ok pub, but certainly wasn't worth the effort I expended getting here.

Interesting venue that I feel should be better than it is on a prime spot overlooking Putney Common. Large “corner venue” with greenery all around. The pub itself inside is a large square with the bar a protrusion off the right hand wall. Tables and chairs all around including what feels like a dining area over in the back part of the venue if you, like me, enter on the corner Putney Common side. The food servery is immediately on the right hand side as you enter the venue and there are plenty of stools to sit around the bar. Beer choices there were four hand pumps, one unused, two offering London Pride and one offering Wimbledon Common from SW19 brewery, my choice and a reasonable pint. There were quite a few keg choices, particularly San Miguel, Camden Pale, Camden Hells, Estrella, Budweiser, Squeezer Pale Ale from By the Horns, New England IPA from Hidden Brewery, the Seventh Step lager from Cornish Steam Brewery (adding my missed detail from the Prince of Wales earlier), Guinness, Neck Oil, Stowford Press, Lucky Saint, Fruit Box from By the Horns also. I thought this place was enjoyable, could have better cask offerings but it is what it is. Better than average just about but need to demonstrate more to be marked for that.

Official site of The Spencer Arms - www.thespencerpub.co.uk

Official site of The Spencer Arms - www.thespencerpub.co.uk

A large corner pub, of a type to be seen all over London, with an open plan layout and sofas arranged in comfy groups, and a feel of cafe bar or living room rather than pub, the widnows with views to Putney Common, combined with the pale colour scheme, giving an airy feel. Four hand pumps with three beers on, and when I expressed an interest in a beer called Wimbledon Common 3.7%, the barman told me proudly that it was "fresh on". Unfortunately it could probably have done with sitting in the cellar for another day or two, as it was only too fresh. Nevertheless, it was quite a pleasant visit for me, though I'm not sure I would come here often if I lived locally. Date of visit: 3rd November 2021