The Kingsmen, Croydon

Facebook page of The Kingsmen - www.facebook.com

Facebook page of The Kingsmen - www.facebook.com

As you look at this pub from across the road nestled behind a silver birch tree you hope to have found a delightful country pub. But alas not. As I entered I realised that I had stumbled into a creche, but I wouldn't let a small matter like a brigade of buggies stop me from going in. There was some pop music blaring out; a modern replacement boarded floor; games and fruit machines; TVs of course; a pool table; and an area on the left hand wall devoted to CPFC memorabilia. For me this was the most interesting thing about the pub. There was a small room down a few steps that contained one or two tables and chairs, plus a dartboard. There's also a fair bit of outside seating. On the plus side they did have one ale on - Ringwood Razor Back at £1.75 a half - which the barman took the trouble to pull through before serving it. Unfortunately it came served in one of those poncy Stella Artois pseudo wine glasses. Tasted OK though. I can't see any reason to return.

Another 1960's estate pub in this corner of the Borough of Croydon, similar to those in nearby New Addington, but with the distinction of being the only one that looks like it's had any sort of refurb since it first opened. The interior comprises of a fairly large open plan area with relatively modern looking furnishings including leather banquette and low stool seating around the perimeter and a few high tables and stools elsewhere. A pool table is situated in the rear right hand corner and there was a large screen showing rolling news coverage at this end of the pub as well, whilst a smaller TV set on the left hand wall offered Sky Sports News. Steps to the left of the servery lead down to a lower level room which has a second pool table and a large sofa. The area was closed when I arrived, but a group entered and wanted to play pool down there, so the barmaid opened it up for them. Another group of people were sat on the benches at the front of the pub, which overlook the nearby parade of shops. Various slot machines can be found throughout the building and there was some pretty decent music playing at a loud level over the speakers. Live music was also advertised on posters around the pub. Only London Pride (£3.00) was available from the hand pumps, although I did spot a turned Old Speckled Hen clip. The barmaid took an age to get round to serving me, but when she finally did, it was good to see her pull through the line before serving me my pint of Pride. Not the worst pub of its type and I'm sure the locals view it as a welcome alternative to the Wetherspoons further down the road in Selsdon, but there was nothing here to merit a return visit.