Union, Battersea, SW11

As the Union Arms, this place dates back to at least the mid-19th century, still exhibiting some fine Watney’s regalia. However, the pub sign and name to the fascia look like something you’d expect to see on a strippers’ club in a down-at-heel area. On entering, the interior initially gives the impression that this is a rather modern gastropub, with a pale boarded floor, cream of mushroom soup and white colour scheme, black roller blinds, tall chunky furniture with square section tubular steel legs and home to potted succulents; a silent TV was showing the rugby, with a very loud club-style soundtrack. Customers were resolutely older blokey locals with one woman spotted, all seemingly having a good time clustered round the bar, though maybe there were more in the garden. There’s no cask here, a half of Kronenbourg costing £2.65, served by a courteous barmaid. This place isn’t really any good; the Duke of Battersea up the road is a fair bit better.

Basic single room pub, serving the Ethelburga estate, with plenty of evidence of former Watneys ownership on the exterior. Basic furniture, and no decor apart from two sports TVs. Pool table in rear alcove up a couple of steps. Some patio seating out front. No real ale, so it was a quick pint of John Smiths Smooth (£3.25) and I headed off for somewhere more interesting... (NB - Review dates from August 2012.)