The Leigham Well, Streatham, SW16

Tucked away down a side street off the busy Streatham High Rd, it would be easy to miss this backstreet locals’ pub. It looks as if it hasn’t changed much in the last 50 or more years. You have what was probably a snug, or possibly a jug and bottle bar, in the centre; a public bar to the right; and a saloon bar to the left which is traditionally carpeted, and with a touch of class added by the (fake) flowers on the tables. Most of the windows have been replaced relatively recently I would guess, although the original green banded design typical of Charington’s pubs (and still in place in some of the screening) has been retained. The half level wood panelling looks fairly ancient – possibly an inter-war refit. There was only the one ale during our visit – the ubiquitous London Pride, although a clip reversed on another pump suggested that GK London Gold had been on offer. Pump clips decorating the bar gantry (Doom Bar, Adnam’s Bitter and several Ringwood ales were represented) suggested that a slightly more adventurous ale selection is sometimes available. I didn’t see any sign of any food or menus. One interesting and unusual feature (as far as London is concerned anyway) is the sign by the doors into Wellfield Rd warning punters to take care as there is no pavement on the road. Now this isn’t a busy road, but if you were unlucky an incautious exit could have dire consequences. This struck me as a friendly and comfortable pub. It was pretty quiet when I was in on Thursday evening, with just a dozen or so customers in, but is the sort of place where you could get sucked into a conversation and stay much longer than intended. I would be delighted to pay a return visit.

A rarity these days, a seemingly thriving back street local, with a healthy mix of regulars on our Thursday evening visit. The pub is divided into three consecutive sections with the bar running through. The front and middle rooms are carpeted, the rear area being boarded. There are a series of murals on the walls, the front bar has a fake set of bookshelves plus a bar scene with a drunken punter sat on the floor, back to the bar, perhaps there is a story to go with this, who knows? The rear bar has its murals too, a sporting theme here with rugby, football, athletics and cricket represented. A TV here was showing darts. Beyond the rear room is an outdoor area with some cover and a TV. There are a few outdoor tables to the front too. The pub has those green and amber stripes which hark back to the former Charrington's Brewery, some are clearly of that age, however others have been replaced with new, which I thought unusual; perhaps the pub is in a Conservation Area? Seating is traditional, ie no high tables, sofas etc, being leather cushioned benches and small stools. The beer range is limited, there was the ubiquitous London Pride and another having a Greene King "London Glory" reversed. There are a few clips over the bar, Ringwood featured heavily, suggesting there is some rotation, but nothing to really set the pulse racing. I did like this pub though, mostly for remaining as it is, an old school local, and I'd certainly drop by again. A word of warning! If exiting by the side doors you go straight into the road, there is no pavement, take care!