Leather Bottle, SW17

When you see a Young’s branded as “pub and dining”, you pretty well know what to expect. When I entered, the large room on the right was reserved for Amanda’s party, and a jolly time they all seemed to be having. The room around to the back and left of the servery had tables all laid for diners and was stoutly defended by a “wait to be seated” sign. That left the main bar area that had sofas (with an old leather bound chest pressed into service as a table) and some tall stools at a ledge. All very Young’s. On the bar counter was slice of tree trunk with pies and/or Scotch eggs on it (unpriced as far as I could see). Everybody was paying for their drinks with plastic cards of some kind, except for one bloke brandishing a £50 note, and me of course who sorted through his shrapnel for the correct money. The barmaid probably though I was some sort of quaint throwback, as I don’t suppose she gets given coins very often. I reckon the first cashless pub is nearly upon us. There were Young’s ales available of course (Bitter at £1.80 a half), plus Redemption Pale Ale. This pub is fine if you like madeover Young’s pubs, or appreciate the “pub & dining” experience.

Biggish multi-roomed Youngs Pub on Garratt Lane; On a weekend visit was extremely busy due to the massive garden out the back. Beers included London Gold, Special, Bitter, Bath Gem and Sambrook's Wandle (£3.30). There is a lounge that on my visit was reserved for a private function, a mezzanine space and an area reserved specifically for diners. Bears all the hallmarks of a typical Youngs Pub although that big garden also lends it a country feel.