The Hop Pole, Wandsworth, SW18

This is a mid/late 19th century pub and as mentioned, is situated on the A3209, more commonly known as Putney Bridge Road. An Irish-themed Shep’s pub, the interior has a slightly ‘village’ feel, modern boarded floor, lacquered wainscoting, then white walls and ceiling with exposed black rafters. Décor amounts to some prints and Guinness propaganda, whilst a few TVs showed unwatched silent football, allowing me to hear good sounds on the jukebox. Customers were older, local types and overall, there was a good atmosphere. Three unused pumps yielded Master Brew at £2.70 a half and ok, delivered by a pleasant barman. As John and Moby mention, this is a decent pub, but the TVs and cask choice let the side down a bit (this is a Shepherd Neame pub after all), but this place is better than the Queen Adelaide almost opposite; the Cat’s Back is a short walk though.

Official site of The Hop Pole - www.hoppolewandsworth.co.uk

Official site of The Hop Pole - www.hoppolewandsworth.co.uk

Attractive Shepherd Neame pub a bit hidden away between Wandsworth and Putney despite being on the reasonably busy A3209. The interior has been slightly opened out to leave the counter on an island between the main bar and side seating area, and there is a small dining area further back before you get to patio beer garden. Additional seating can also be found out on front pavement area. Thai food menu. Disappointingly, none of the four handpumps were in use, so resorted to the keg Smooth Kentish Ale (£5.75). Would have scored higher had a real ale been on.

A busy pub, showing televised football on my visit, the same two beers were on as John found below, Masterbrew and Spitfire Gold, the former being rather dull and lifeless. A good atmosphere about the place but It wouldn't be first on the list of pubs to visit in the area.

This is a nice little pub .Shame about the beer.Pretty rear garden with hanging baskets.Ideal place to sit on a warm night while trying to force down my half pint of Masterbrew.They also had Spitfire gold on cask.