The Crown, Battersea, SW11

This pub dates to 1669, though rebuilt in the mid-19th century, a Truman’s pub which until around 2012 had some fantastic brewery tilework to the fascia, then a wonderful tiled surround with one of their ‘eagle’ reliefs emerging from it; sadly, just the eagle remains to a fascia which appears to be a grey/green colour with front patio. Since the previous review, the interior has been highly modernised (no island bar) with bare boarded floor, bare brick and scaffold bar back with further bare brick to walls and a noisy open kitchen with dinging service bell. Otherwise, it’s a bit canteen-like in its execution with a good view on their website but ultimately, it’s really not at all cosy or cossetting, though proudly describing itself as ‘A hip-hangout for Clapham-ites and Battersea-ers alike!’. There were a few young trendy customers out front on the patio, perhaps more out back but just two older customers indoors. If the pub on Steve’s visit had upped its game in the ale front, then the game’s now almost up, with just three pumps, one unused, one dispensing Seacider then just Portobello Early Bath at £2.80 a half, served by a friendly barmaid and tasting a bit weird. There’s worse nearer Clapham Junction ‘town centre’ but this isn’t really my thing, so I’ll leave it to the Lavender Hill mob.

Official site of The Crown - www.publove.co.uk

Official site of The Crown - www.publove.co.uk