The Cat's Back, Wandsworth, SW18

The Cats Back was a Watney's pub called the Brush (presumably with a landlord called Basil) but according to the more recent (mid nineties) copy of the SW London beer guide it was originally called the Forester's Arms but by that time had become a free house bearing the current name. The outside of it has some well preserved old green tiling but not surprisingly the main windows have been replaced with new Harvey etched ones. Inside it's a fairly basic single room with a wooden floor. An upstairs function room is advertised. The toilets are downstairs which is unlikely to be an original feature in what looks like a Victorian pub. The bar has four hand pumps which had Harvey's Best, Old, IPA & Christmas Ale. I went for the Best which was in good nick but at four quid like most London pubs is daylight robbery. I'm unlikely to revisit this pub not because there's anything wrong with it but because I see no reason to return to Wandsworth.

Tiny little traditional pub with seating at the rear but it looks onto flats and offices so not ideal.Friendly young bar staff.No Sussex best on but Ipa,Olympia,and my Armada which was okay but I had wanted to try Sussex best so was disappointed.I have wondered about the pub name but the sign above the door explains it.

Nice little pub well worth seeking out, well described by others, the more so thanks to Harvey's beers in tip-top condition: IPA (aka Pale, Hadlow), Best; Olympia and another I forget when we called. It was very empty early evening making me wonder if it's in the right spot but judging by the number of estate agent's signs for both residential and commercial property in the new blocks all around they're hoping trade will build. Because it is a Harvey's pub I expect it will become a destination in it's own right amongst London's ale drinking classes. It also makes an excellent stop if you're doing the Thames Walk but watch out for weekday opening times. Highly recommended.

Offical site of The Cat's Back - www.thecatsback.com

Offical site of The Cat's Back - www.thecatsback.com