The Green Dragon, Croydon

Very large open plan space, high ceilings and large windows to each street frontage. Stairs lead to an upper level (not visited). Big on sports it seems, very busy and boisterous this afternoon with rugby fans watching SA v The Lions. There are a couple of pool tables in the far corner. The size, layout and ambience were not really to my taste, but the beer range is it must be said, first rate. On stillage behind the bar are Hogs Back TEA and Hop, then on handpump were Atlas Wayfarer (a golden very bitter ale), Westerham Freedom Ale, Sharps Honey Spice, White Horse Giant, and Boxing Dog Cider. One pump was unused. No mainstreams and the clips on the end wall indicate an excellent rotation policy.

Not much to look at from the outside but don't let that put you off. It's got most things that you'd want in a pub, attentive and plentiful staff, a good traditional and well-priced menu, plenty of TV screens for sport, pool tables, board games and even a book swap club. There's music most nights, often live. Of the six handpumps all were on and only one of the beers, Bombardier, I would consider as mainstream, perhaps also the Hophead given the neck of the woods. Well deserved of it's Cask Marque accreditation. I think I'd do a lot of drinking in here if I lived in Croydon.