The Crown, Battersea, SW11

It would seem that the owners of the Crown have upped their game because the island bar mentioned in previous reviews now supports a range of premium draught products and five hand pumps. During a recent Saturday afternoon visit these hand pumps were drawing three real ales ( Sambrook’s Pumphouse Pale Ale, Clarkshaw’s Strange Brew No. 1 and Exmoor Ales Wild Cat) and two real ciders (Weston’s Old Rosie and Rosie’s pig). My visit was just after the kitchen had closed so I didn’t see anyone eating, but I did see burgers advertised with the cheapest being priced at £8. The kitchen opening times are midday until 15:00 and 17:00 until 21:00 seven days a week. The pub itself opens an hour early at 10:00 Monday to Saturday and closes at midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. The furniture was of differing colours and styles and I spotted a piano in the right rear corner. Also at the rear is the entrance to an attached hostel and an atrium that was advertised as being available for hire. There was some background music playing and the TV was airing muted rolling BBC News. I did not see any signs for live sports or music. Out the front is some seating that is fenced off from the adjacent Lavender Hill. I found the service to be very polite and the other customers to be friendly enough. However, this isn’t the cosiest of pubs so if I was to return it would only be for a pint or two.