The Brief, Croydon

I was there on Thursday and regrettably confirm PSM's fears. Still only GK beers - IPA well priced @£2.50 but not a great pint by any stretch of the imagination - and the venue still deteriorating, with no sign of live music. It also seems to have picked up some slightly unusual regulars. I was seated at the end of the bar with a friend, who had to stand up to order a round at one point, whereupon a strange old man who'd just come in sat in his seat, apparently oblivious to the obvious signs that it was taken, and to our attempts to communicate this to him. We gave up in the end and found a free table, observing later the old man providing a glass collecting service around the pub. We did think of reclaiming our original seats back whilst he was doing this, especially when another strange old man came and sat at our table for no apparent reason, but felt that would have been provocatively petty. So a slightly weird visit really. Despite all that, I still think this pub has some compensations. It is in immediate competition with the JDW almost opposite, the few bar staff are generally helpful even if overworked, and perhaps because of this combination of factors it seems to manage to be fairly steady but not horribly overcrowded like other pubs nearby. So it does seem to have a legitimate niche as the town centre pub you can hold a civilised conversation in after work, without making your friends trek further from the station. So for all its failings I'm giving it a compassionate 5. Just don't expect a great pint, and hope no-one nicks your seat!

The Brief is one of the new style of upmarket Greene King bars. It has a nice laid back feel with some comfortable seating and plasma TV's showing sport. Raised area at the back for busy times. Beers included Hydes Jekylls Gold and Bath Gem.

Official page of the Old Brief, includes menu - www.gkpubs.co.uk

Official page of the Old Brief, includes menu - www.gkpubs.co.uk