The Victoria Cross, Thornton Heath

Enter left to lounge, rt to public, but open central horseshoe bar serves both. Carpetted throughout, some upholstered wall banquettes, some standard pub furniture, cushioned barstools in good nick. Nice wood panelling in both rooms, & wooden-faced bar with brass foot rail (needing a good polish), were all reminiscent of the old décor in the Commercial, Herne Hill. Small tv and large drop-down screen in lounge, plasma & pool table in public. Attractive stone-paved beer garden, part covered, fenced surround, planted borders which should look better in summer, picnic sets arranged a central tree (fir/spruce family?). The guest (Pilgrim ‘smoked' IPA?) had unfortunately just gone & the next (can't recall) not ready to go on, leaving just courage – not my fav, but was well kept & just £1 for my quick half. Pleased to notice wrapped rolls on display behind bar, a simple food fix so rarely seen these days. Quiet, ystdy 14:30, but a lot to like about the pub if only it could/would support a more expansive beer choice.

this pub is the friendliest pub i have ever stepped foot in everyone in that pub eileen the manager and staff and even the regulars make you feel welcome i even take my children in this pub as i feel safe and i can relax its nicley decorated to what it was .anyone can sit in this pub and feel at home with out trouble thats what i like ive had 3 partys in this public house and just about to have another thats how i feel about this pub its just a shame its not on my doorstep by hay hoo i still go there so enjoy the pub boasts a lovely garden out back with smoking area and heating and tables and a lovely garden full of beautifull flowersx

Randomness Guide to London - Victoria Cross entry

Randomness Guide to London - Victoria Cross entry

Large two room pub in the backstreets of Thornton Heath. The pub's interior is a well preserved example of 1930's design and is often mentioned in various heritage pub books. Only Courage Best (£2.25) was on when I visited at the weekend and the pint wasn't in the greatest shape. A blackboard promised a list of upcoming ales, but was blank, suggesting that their ale policy has lapsed somewhat. A pool table and dart board were housed on the quiet side of the pub and a reasonable sized beer garden out the back caught the sun for most of the afternoon. A bit of a disappointment on the beer front, but the locals are very friendly and there seems to be a strong sense of community, which is exactly what you want from a pub in Thornton Heath. Worth a look for the interior as well.