The Red Lion, Hackbridge, Wallington

There were three handpumps on the counter – one with a Rocking Rudoph clip reversed, and the other two unclipped. This is not a good sight on entering a pub, but on enquiring as to what bitters might be available I was told that Spitfire was on one of the unclipped pumps. It’s probably a good idea to have a clip on the pump, but it does show that one should always ask, even if it only serves to inform the management that there is at least some customer demand for real ale. This is a small, low-ceilinged pub that looks as if it has been there for a 100 years. It’s sandwiched between a school and a trading estate just off the London Road. The bar counter is right in front of you as you enter the main door, with a bit of seating to both sides of the bar. It’s carpeted, with mainly normal tables and chairs, but with a bit of banquette seating, and with a round pedestal table, but with no attendant tall stools, undoubtedly intended for vertical drinking. There are a few miscellaneous prints on the walls, but nothing noteworthy. There are a couple of games machines next to toilet entrances, a one-armed bandit of course, and a sweet dispenser by the door. There’s the inevitable TV on the wall, but switched off during my late lunchtime midweek visit. There was no sign of food or menus. This is a very ordinary community locals’ pub, typical of places like Mitcham. It’s certainly not worth going out of your way to visit, but OK for a swift one if you happen to be passing. It might be a more comfortable place if it was your local.