Kings Arms, Mitcham

This is a Young’s house with the usual range of ales on – the Winter Warmer was very good, and at the fairly reasonable price of £2.90 a pint. There was no sign of food or menus during my midweek mid-afternoon visit. This is an old pub – almost certainly Victorian – right by the open area centred on the Mitcham clock tower. Its original multi-room format is clear from the number of doors, the ceiling design, and the central island bar. There was one bit of what looked like original cut and etched glass, but little else left of its likely noble heritage. It’s carpeted throughout, with some banquette seating, but mainly has normal tables and chairs. The ceiling is typically high for this pub’s vintage, with long drapes surrounding the windows. Other features include a fireplace on the right, alight with a gas fire, and a dartboard on the right at the back of the pub. The clientele – about a dozen or so souls – appeared to be local regulars enjoying a quiet drink. This came over to me as a down to earth real pub, of the sort that I appreciate. It’s certainly not worth trailing over to Mitcham to visit, but I wouldn’t mind dropping in for a pint if I was in the area again.