The Orchard, Shirley, Croydon

Not the easiest pub in the world to find, tucked away as it is in the middle of the Monk's Orchard estate, but I made the trek out to this former GBG regular in order to tick off one of Croydon's more obscure pubs. I discovered what may well be the ideal estate pub - a clean interior with white walls providing a light and airy feel, two rooms, each with their own bar, plush sofas in small booths forming nice seating alternatives to the low stools and tables elsewhere. Contrary to the grim exterior (including bars on the windows) it felt very homely and there were a decent number of locals in there enjoying the hospitality on a Sunday afternoon. There were three hand pumps on the bar offering London Pride and Harvey’s Best (£3), with a Spitfire clip turned. My pint of Best was pretty good and the staff serving me were very quick and friendlier than in most pubs of this type. There were adverts around the pub and on boards outside promoting drinks offers, although these seemed to be confined to the typical lager and cider products also in evidence at the bar. Three plasma screens were showing football and rugby, which seemed to keep most customers entertained. One room housed a pool table, whilst the other had a dartboard next to the bar. Three games/fruit machines filled the space between the two rooms and easy listening music was piped through speakers at a sensible level. I left pleasantly surprised and can imagine returning regularly if only it were in an easier to reach location.

Randomness Guide to London - Orchard entry

Randomness Guide to London - Orchard entry