The Atlas, West Brompton, SW6

This is a lovely back street pub, and a pleasant change from the artificiality of the two pubs on the main road. The AAtlas has a long room with bar counter on the left, a semi-screen divides the room and the hand pumps are in the second half. My half of Tribute was in good condition, but as the 11th beer of a long day it was a toss up between NBSS 2.5 and 3.5. I'm sure Alan Winfield would have sympathised. I'd like to return some time, as this is so much better than the nearby pubs but I wasn't in the best condition to appreciate it or describe it. Watch this space.

With a CAMRA listed interior of Regional Importance, this is located in a none-too-attractive location. The Atlas was remodelled after the War due to bomb damage; the interior is a 1930s’ refit with fantastic inlaid Truman’s lettering indicating their range of beers, applied to the picture rail, above the threequarters-height wood field panelling; there’s also a Truman’s mirror inset into the panelling. The floor is boarded but what really catches the eye, is the chequered spittoon running around the curved, panelled bar. The bar back is simple and probably authentic for the period. Furniture comprises fitted pews to the front room along with dark wainscotting, which is delineated from the rear, by a frame, above which is a glass paned panel; tables and chairs are standard. To the rear, are chunky tables and chairs with a scrubbed appearance. There are also three brick arched fireplaces, which may have Truman’s ‘eagle’ motifs above the arch, but I was discouraged from inspecting by a slightly ditzy barmaid who insisted on table service. On high, is a white ceiling with coved burgundy cornice; customers were mixed locals, young and old. Three pumps had reversed clips, the other with Tribute which I was told by said barmaid was off and that Landlord was available which I chose. She then told me that indeed Tribute was available, which I picked as the only choice; it was on good form though at a hefty £5.20. This has a great boozer feel to it and despite the lack of ale choice, is definitely worth a punt if in this neck of the woods.

A pretty and inviting backstreet pub with extensive exterior foliage. Warm and traditional feel inside but it is gastroised further within - mains for 20 quid! The interwar refit interior is now part, rather than fully, split into two via a frosted glass partition upper. There’s plenty of old school wood furniture, wood panelling and some old script insets with ‘Burton Bitter’, ‘mild ales’ etc and indeed it is listed on the CAMRA National Inventory. Four ales available at the far end of the bar - Pride (NBSS 2.5) Doom Bar, TT Landlord and St Austell Tribute (3) – expect high end prices (I was relieved of £2.55 for a half) though the bar staff were friendly and efficient. Overall I quite enjoyed my 45 minutes in here and it’s worth a visit.