The Wheatsheaf & Pigeon, Staines Town, Staines Upon Thames

The sign on the side of this pub advertised itself as a “bar/restaurant”, which is usually an unwelcome sight to someone who favours the traditional pub. But in fact it’s really a pub that does food, although inside there’s a small room at the back with a handful of tables and chairs which the barmaid informed me was the restaurant. Moreover, at lunchtime anyway, the food didn’t seem particularly “gastro”, which is no bad thing. I saw a plate of nachos being delivered to a table, and the pub staple of pie (of the day), etc, was £8.95. There were five ales on during my visit – London Pride, Courage Best, Young’s Bitter, Doom Bar and St Austell Tribute. This is a decent ale selection, even if somewhat mainstream. Inside, the main room is very traditional – carpeted, some normal tables and chairs, a few stools at the bar, and a dartboard in one corner. On Friday afternoon there was a sound system and speakers set up in front of the dartboard in preparation for the live music events that they hold. There are some picnic benches outside in front of the pub, that were well utilised on a very sunny Friday afternoon. The pub looks attractive decorated with hanging baskets and planted tubs. Despite its apparent foody aspirations I reckon that this is still a backstreet locals’ pub. I enjoyed stopping off here for a very nice pint of Tribute, and wouldn’t mind dropping in for another pint if I was in the area again.