Marquis of Lorne, SW9

The exterior of this pub is mightily impressive with some absolutely superb (Victorian probably) tiling covering the pillars and lower level facings. The name T T Castle is set abaove the main corner door – presumably a previous publican, as a century ago it would have been normal for a publican to display his name prominently, often more prominently than the name of the pub. Inside it’s been largely opened up, but this pub is large enough that it once had at least four separate rooms, as evidenced by the four sets of doors, not all of which are in use now of course. However, some screening, the upper parts of which are glazed, survives between the main bar and the smaller room on the right (now containing a pool table) as well as above the servery. You can see where the screening above the servery would have extended across the room to divide it in two. The bar counter looks original as well. Unfortunately they don’t serve real ale here, and nor did I see any menus or signs of food when I was in during Saturday afternoon. It’s not really that sort of pub. This is a traditional backstreet boozer, and although there are one or two sofas, the majority of furnishings are normal tables and chairs. This is the sort of pub that I like, but the absence of any real ale is an issue for me, so I’m unlikely to return.

Nice enough pub, though the language of some of the regulars is appalling. Has a pool table. There is a real ale tap, Theakstons clip was on it, but it was turned round. Giving a low rating due to the swearing.