The Greyhound Hotel, Carshalton

Situated opposite the lovely ponds and a bridge, this whitewashed weatherboarded building looks the business; however inside it has been done-over by the Youngs wrecking crew and is now, despite retaining parts of a large multi-room layout, a fairly bland upmarket refit joint. Farrow & Ball/Kirsty & Phil colourings and tiled floor, though the TV showing rugby was perhaps unexpected. Three pumps on the go with Youngs Bitter, Special and Wimbledon Tower available - the latter of which was in good shape though expensive. Noted that local faces get preference at the bar, which was faintly irksome. If you’re crawling Carshalton it’s worth a look for a swift half.

Imposing Youngs pub and hotel, overlooking the ponds, comprising two rather different adjoining buildings. The accommodation seems to be located in the older bay-windowed structure which also houses several dining rooms, with the partly opened-out 'L'-shaped bar in the newer, grander section. Refurbished in the usual upmarket style inside. Also has a large patio area to one side, plus another few tables at the front (if you want to watch the traffic...). Real ale is available from two banks of three handpumps: Ordinary, Special and Wimbledon Tower (£4.60) as a guest.

Being a Young's pub it had a predictable ale selection on, with Bitter, Special; Bombardier available as well as what must be a seasonal called Festive or something like that, plus the excellent Winter Warmer. There are three banks of pumps - one bank of three facing you as you enter, and two or three more round to both the right and left of the bar counter. The front three had on the Bombardier, Bitter, and Special, so clearly one needs to look round the sides to see everything that's available. There was also a draught cider available - Addlestone's I think. There's a large dining room at the back with all tables laid for diners, but I didn't bother to go in there to look at a menu. However there was what I took to be a bar menu on the table at which I sat, with sandwiches around £6 - £7 (£1.50 extra for chips), and most main courses at £10.95 with the most expensive being the 21-day aged sirloin steak, etc, etc, at £16.95. As well as the large dining area, there's a lounge-like area on the left which is comfortably furnished with sofas, banquettes, and good quality tables. This room is divided from the main bar area by a see-through fireplace that is all that is now left of the wall that would once have completely separated the two rooms. This fireplace is now clearly only for show as where the fire should be there's now a couple of ancient stone steps.This struck me as unusual enough to be interesting. The main bar stretches round to the right of the bar counter, leading on to an area on the right with a few normal tables and chairs and is effectively the hotel reception area. There was a TV on (but muted) showing some football, and some some laid back background music was being played. This is still a marvellous old characterful pub. I've been in this pub when it's been very busy and then it's not so comfortable, but my mid-afternoon visit was very relaxing. It looks out over the road to Carshalton Pond and it must have been an idyllic spot in which to while away the time before the road got so busy. It helps if you are OK with Young's ales. The Winter Warmer was the pick of the bunch in my view.

This is a large rambling place partially opposite one of the Carshalton Ponds. Part pub, part AA*** hotel, there is a distinct corporate feel despite parts of the building being of age. It looks to be a building of two parts from outside, the likely original weatherboarded building with a large Georgian looking lump bunged on the side. The main entrance has a bit of mosaic floor with the inlaid greyhound and a grandfather clock, unfortunately The Swan Lounge was out of bounds as it was holding a private function. The main bar area is wood floored-the older areas are flagged-the long U-shaped bar taking up much of the space, there is a formal restaurant behind plus a side room which seems to double up as the hotel lobby. Seating is rather mixed, there are a fair few sofas, and plenty of TVs, all were showing the rugby on Saturday afternoon. Decor included quite nice framed Vanity Fair prints of sportsmen, cricketers, tennis players, oarsmen etc and an unusual feature was a small set of old stone steps positioned in a now unused fireplace. Food is served all day in the restaurant and bar, the beers are from Wells/Youngs but only a limited selection, Bitter, Special and Bombardier. It is a busy place, they could and should offer more than that. Outdoor seating off the car park with the better option being by the main entrance where there are views of the ponds.