The Angel Inn, Thames Ditton

This looks like an old pub that has been modernised, but not to the extent that it has been ruined. There is a small conservatory area that has been added at some stage, rather unusually at the front of the pub. This area is very light, as is usual with conservatories, and is a pleasant spot to sit and read a book with a pint at hand. The rest of the pub is low-ceilinged, with dark beams, giving it the feel and appearance of a country pub, which I suppose is what it was in years past. The front bar area has false modern replica boarding, but a small room to the left has parquet flooring, and four tables and chairs. There is some interesting bric-a-brac on show – some old Singer sewing machines; a relief of the Eddystone Lighthouse; and a Bristol Shipping Company clock that is supposed to show the time in London, New York and Victoria. Although the exterior of the pub looks quite modern, the interior has retained a lot of character and charm (although personally I wouldn’t have painted the front of the bar counter dark charcoal, but that’s just my opinion!). The ales on were London Pride and Young’s Bitter. There was a pump clipped with Doom Bar, but unfortunately it wasn’t on, and a fourth pump was unused. This is a comfortable and well run pub by all appearances, and I would be very happy to drop in for another pint if the opportunity arises.