The Crooked Billet, Wimbledon Common, SW19

Situated on the road that bears the same name, next door to another Youngs House (The Hand in Hand) lies the Crooked Billet, as close to a country pub as I think you'll find in South West London. Its a cosy, welcoming sort of place, popular with the local residents and as such rather difficult to find seating in during the sunday lunchtime rush. Nevertheless I was able to perch on a stool and thumb through the News of the World to find out about John Terry's latest misdemeanours. Tribute in satisfactory nick. A bit out of the way, but worth seeking out for something a bit different.

The pub was very busy on Sunday afternoon with many people eating the hearty Sunday roast lunches, however I was able to bag a corner table. The main bar area has wooden boarded flooring, a an adjacent area steps up slightly and has rather ancient looking stone flags. Some exposed brickwork, a grand feature fireplace and other areas wood panelled. Seating mainly traditional at tables of various sizes, some seating 10 people. I did spot a couple of sofas however. Artwork on display from a local artist, some of which can be purchased. A Young's pub but one with a guest policy, they had Butcombe Bitter on at £3.25, as well as Ordinary, Special, London Gold and Bombardier. A chalkboard in the covered alleyway/corridor area listed a number of forthcoming guest beers. The food does look good if a bit pricey, one unusual item I spotted on the menu was home made pork scratchings. Outdoor drinking is possible on fine days on the large green to the front which is shared with The Hand in Hand a couple of doors along.

Randomness Guide to London - Crooked Billet entry

Randomness Guide to London - Crooked Billet entry

This is another very old pub that has been around for hundreds of years, although the original Crooked Billet was further down the road leading to the common. This has been a Young’s house for well over a hundred years now, and of course still sells their range of ales. However, on my visit the other day I did spot St Austell Tribute, presumably a guest ale. The food menu looked pretty good, although, like the Hand In Hand next door, not cheap – the steak and mushroom pie was priced at £10.95, but I didn’t eat in here so can’t comment on the quality. The front bar area, directly as you enter the pub is bare-boarded with some attractive rugs. There is an area to the left that has some sofas and armchairs, but the main part of the bar has normal tables and chairs, with a couple of settles. On the right is an attractive area that has flagstone floors and some more tables and chairs, leading to what looks like a covered alleyway with more seating, and a large dining area at the back. I didn’t spot any dogs in there this week, but on my other visits there have been a couple of them lying around, as dogs are wont to do, so I would guess that it remains a dog friendly pub. I also spotted a one-armed bandit flashing away, which I always think detracts from the character of the pub, although I am well seized of the business reason for having them. But for me the best feature of this pub is the large “see-through” fireplace in the middle of the pub. Unfortunately it wasn’t alight during my recent visit, although it was a cold day, but I’m sure it must be very impressive if and when they do have it on the go. This is an attractive pub, although not as good as the Hand In Hand next door, and I would be very happy to pay a return visit.

Official site of the Crooked Billet, contains menus and wine list - www.thecrookedbilletwimbledon.co.uk

Official site of the Crooked Billet, contains menus and wine list - www.thecrookedbilletwimbledon.co.uk