The Pear Tree, Purley

A large Stonegate clone of a Spoons' but a bit lacking in style, despite mandatory old photographs and a drawing room sort of feel. One big room with booths off to the side opposite a long bar, and a mixture of tall and low tables elsewhere. A few large screens show sports. Draught ales were Wimbledon Common Pale, Hobgoblin Gold and Doom Bar, with 4 Lilley's ciders in boxes.

In most respects, a typical Stonegate pub of dull external appearance and with a partly opened-out 'L'-shaped layout. Despite the generally high ceilings, quite dark inside once you move away from the large front windows. Features a variety of anonymous semi-modern furniture and decor, numerous TV screens and a standard menu. On the plus side, five of six handpumps were in operation, offering Greene King IPA, Jennings Cumberland (£3.05) and Hobgoblin plus - unexpectedly - a couple of Lilley's ciders on tap and clips for two more (which must have been in boxed form elsewhere).

Official site of The Pear Tree - www.greatukpubs.co.uk

Official site of The Pear Tree - www.greatukpubs.co.uk