Hope & Anchor, Brixton, SW2

Dismal American-style diner, with limited seating around the island bar, and a narrow front terrace that you can't take drinks out onto. The only point of interest is the large fairground-style 'Pleasure Garden' to the rear featuring brightly-coloured illumination and a series of wooden cabins. Also has a function room upstairs (not visited). Of course, none of the three handpumps was on (although reversed clips for Bombardier and Addlestone's cider were noted). With nothing of interest on the bottled front either, opted for the Peroni (£2.25, half) but at least I got an apology for it being served in a Becks Vier glass!

This place has the usual décor and dim lighting of the Grand Union chain. There is a plasma screen, but it was off during my visit and I didn't spot any sport advertised, not that I expected to in a place that advertises itself as a bar and grill. Bombardier and Youngs Ordinary were available alongside Addlestones cider and standard/premium draught selection. I cannot comment on the standard of the beer as I left before the excruciatingly slow young barmaid had finished labouring over a couple of glasses of wine for the customers before me. I'll not be returning.