The Reform Tavern, Thornton Heath

On arriving at this pub recently, I had to check twice that it was actually still trading, as the steps leading to the front door were damaged and strewn with litter, making it look like it had been abandoned. It was therefore something of a surprise to push the door and find that it not only opened, but led into a compact lounge bar full of locals. The pub has a three room layout with the lounge on the right, public bar to the left and an almost empty rear room. The lounge is carpeted with dark wood panelled walls and a simple patterened ceiling. There is a limited amount of standard table and chair seating, so most of the locals were crowded along the short curved bar counter. A fireplace on the right hand wall looks like it gets used regularly, although the unseasonably warm weather meant it was out of action on my visit. There are a few pictures dotted around the room including some nice old shots from pub beanos of old. I didn’t get a proper look at the public bar, as it seemed that there was some sort of decorating going on in there, although I might be wrong on that count. I spotted pool cues stacked against the doorway, so there is presumably a pool table in there somewhere. The rear room connects the other two and was almost empty except for a dartboard. A couple of friendly and well behaved pub dogs were probably the highlight of the visit. Only the one ale available which was Courage Best at £2.90 a pint. I tried a half and thought it was in pretty poor condition. I think I was the only customer with an English accent, as this is another Thornton Heath pub that is being kept on its feet by the Irish community. The locals in here were a friendly bunch and were enjoying some good banter with the barman. There are glimpses of a great little community pub here, but neglect, poor beer and a waning customer base have all but done for it. It’s not the worst pub in Thornton Heath, but with beer that bad, it’s certainly heading that way.