The Lighthouse, Battersea, SW11

Dating from at least the mid-19th century, this having a very attractive Italianate façade with ornate parapet and clock at centre, no surprise given that this was originally the Clock House, a Charrington’s joint by 1919. Unfortunately, the interior is not quite so impressive – or at least is no longer – having been molested a fair bit, with a lot of bare brick or white walls, black ceiling with large metal shades over a humdrum bar array. Much of the furniture is tall, with opposing booth-style banquettes to the rear, many sporting glasses and suchlike for lack of being cleared. Customers were in the same demographic as those at the Prince Albert but seemed just a bit more hip. Thumping Cher was playing on arrival, rugby on the TVs with the sound off, décor amounting to trendy framed prints with – of all things – suitcases in luggage racks bolted to walls. Ales amounted to Portobello England Expects, Adnams Lighthouse (natch) and Sambrook’s Drop Kick at £2.90 a half and fine, me finally getting served by a barman who was far more interested in flirting with a female customer than tending to this more worthy pilgrim’s needs. Not a disaster (I marginally favoured it to the Prince Albert) but the inebriated social crush and noise on a Saturday at 10.20pm means I won’t return; the Masons up the road was an oasis of calm by comparison.

Three ales on in here – Sambrook’s Wandle, Adnam’s Topaz Gold, and By The Horns’ Mayor of Garrett (£3.90 a pint). There were also some of the less objectionable keg offerings, such as Smabrook’s Pale, and something from the Camden Brewery. It’s apparently got Cask Marque accreditation. No menus were in evidence, but a chalkboard on one of the walls advertises “nibbly bits”, such as (obviously one would hope) chips at £3.50, olives (£3), various types of nuts, and “charcuterie” at £10. The pub is a bit “Antic-esque” with all kinds of mismatched furnishings, including the obligatory re-cycled school chairs, cheap looking ex-office chairs, and what looks like re-cycled dining room furniture. It all seems to work in some funny way and I found it comfortable enough, but I was in there during mid-afternoon when it was very quiet. It’s the sort of place that would quickly become very noisy when it starts to fill up. The walls are painted a light green, and have numerous arty prints, and paintings, on them. It’s bare-boarded of course; has some fairy lights for some reason hanging down in front of the windows; and has a table by the door bearing various board games and magazines, including London Drinker. I did spot one TV (off when I was in) but no coarse additions like fruit machines, pool tables or dartboards. Live music was advertised, and there is a smallish garden area at the back. It all seems a bit trendy in here, but I was happy to enjoy a quiet pint. My pint of Mayor of Garrett was in good form, which is to be expected from a Cask Marque GBG listed pub.

Official site of The Lighthouse - www.thelighthousebattersea.com

Official site of The Lighthouse - www.thelighthousebattersea.com

This is my current local and it's a pretty decent place. Plenty of seating, young 'n' trendy crowd and gastropubby food but plenty for drinkers; three handpumps, usually including one from a local brewery, plus an impressive selection of bottled and draught lagers including Pilsner Urquell. Pleasant surroundings for a pint or two - drop in when in the area.