The Willow Tree, Worcester Park

This pub is down some back streets between Worcester Park and Stoneleigh, and is definitely a locals’ pub. It still has two bars, and I spent my visit in the Vale Bar, which could best be described as the public bar. The usual pantheon of machines was present (one armed bandit, games machine, etc) but it also sported a pool table, dartboard, and a “Pirates of the Caribbean” pinball machine. The TV on the wall was switched off, and there was some nondescript piped music being played. There was a handful of punters in, seemingly drinking Fosters tops, and swearing a fair bit. Seating comprised a couple of normal tables with a banquette and normal chairs, plus a couple of high tables and high stools. The 6 Nations’ flags were everywhere, plus a few prints on the walls, and that amounted to the decoration. There were a couple of real ales on – Young’s Bitter and Smiles Clouds. I had the Young’s Bitter which was fine, if a little too cold, and at a reasonable price of £2.65 a pint I poked my nose in the Lounge, and I have to say it looked quite comfortable. This pub is OK for a pint if for some unearthly reason you find yourself in the back streets of Worcester Park. I’m delighted that this sort of local still exists, but I wouldn’t recommend going out of your way to visit.