Harvester Cricketers, Addington, Croydon

This is a huge Harvester pub in Addington Village, just down the hill from the New Addington estate. The pub treats us to a typical Harvester interior, with bland beige walls and pine panels dominating the decor alongside a mix of modern looking furniture. Diners were all shuffled down one end of the pub, whilst the few drinkers were permitted access to a decent sized area in the right hand side of the building. This area had some interesting glass partitioning screens but otherwise there wasn't much else to look at and the usual feel of drinking in a hotel bar prevailed. Even the music playing over the sound system was bland and unmemorable. The pub's one saving grace is its large outdoor drinking/dining area, which is quite an attractive proposition in summer months, despite only offering a view of the car park. Disappointingly there were no cask ales on the bar, with keg versions of Old Speckled Hen and Tetley’s Smooth Flow being the closest alternatives. My pint of Hen cost £2.80 and was too cold and virtually tasteless, as expected. The staff weren't exactly falling over themselves to serve me once it became apparent that I wasn't going to be eating. This pub seems popular with family groups in much the same way most Harvester style pubs tend to be, but it left me feeling completely cold and longing for the estate pubs back in New Addington, which is saying something. One to tick off and never return to again.

Official pages of Cricketers - www.harvester.co.uk