William Morris, Merton, SW19

On the banks of the River Wandle, standing on the site of the old Liberty printing works, is the relatively new pub The William Morris. It was pretty dead on a Sunday evening with only about half the bar being “manned”. Food was OK, if somewhat unimaginative, when I’ve had lunch in there during the week. It gets very busy at Sunday midday when the Merton Abbey Mills market is in full swing, and is very pleasant if you can sit outside during the warmer weather. Pretty ordinary real ales on offer – I think we were drinking Young’s Bitter. A decent enough pub if you can sit outside, or can get a window seat overlooking the river, but probably not worth seeking out unless you are visiting Merton Abbey anyway.

The thing about this pub, is that your critical eye can so easily be distracted by the pleasant surroundings it finds itself in. The old print works, now coverted into fancy 'boutique-style' shops; the big old 7-spoke mill, still turning in the wheel house; the river Wandle lazily flowing alongside the pub. It's all very peaceful and charming, but aside from some nice drinking spots on the river bank or the roof terrace, I'm not sure the place offers a great deal. The interior is fairly run-of-the-mill (no pun intended) and the ale selection was a little drab (Adnams Broadside and Regatta, plus something from Bateman's I think) ans below par in the taste department. Still, if it's a drink in the sun, in nice, quiet surroundings that you're after, this is probably worth a punt.

The pub is actually part of he Merton Abbey Mills market area, one of the buildings of the former Liberty Mills print works. It was converted and substantially altered some 20 years ago when the old riverside works were turned into today's attraction. The pub has a central bar, flagged floor on entrance with a carpeted area with plenty of seating behind overlooking the Wandle. The upper bar tends to be closed but is available for hire, A side room has wooden floors and panelling and has a traditional feel. Lots of exposed brickwork. Sounds good, but it really does not maximise the potential or opportunity it is given. Disinterested staff and an indifference to the beer served let this pub down. Superb location, history etc, but wasted. Four seemingly working handpumps, five once but one has the handpull missing. Only two on, others not even reverse clipped, both serving Batemans, XB and Valiant.

This pub is set on the banks of the river Wandle (Which seems to have swollen now that Youngs Brewery has closed!)Single bar with very fine river views. Batemans real ales on offer. a very pleasant(via river footpath) 15 minute walk from Collier's Wood tube station