The Surrey Arms, Ravensbury Park, Mitcham

This is still a two-room pub, each room having its own entrance from the street. I spent my visit in the right hand room, which had a public bar feel to it, and was minimalist in the extreme. There is a cheap grey carpet on the floor, a couple of TV screens on the walls, the standard fruit and games machines, and wall decor consisting solely of Guinness sponsored advertisements for forthcoming televised sporting events. The walls up to the dado rail level are painted bright red, and cream above that. Furnishings consist of only a handful of cheap looking normal tables and chair in this fairly large room leaving plenty of open space in the middle of the room. During my visit there were a few obvious regulars at the bar, using what might be regarded as colourful language. The other room had a pool table at the back, and what appeared to be solid pine or pine-coloured tables and chairs. There was no real ale (the best bet was a bottle of London Pride for £3.20) and there was no sign of food or menus when I was in at around 2.20 PM on a Monday. The service was friendly enough, but I very much doubt whether I’ll return to this pub.