The Rebel Inn, SW16

This is a nicely presented, slightly quirky pub just a few minutes’ walk from Streatham Hill station, which seems to be popular with a younger crowd compared to some of the old-school local’s boozers nearby. You enter into a spacious front area, with a former entrance corridor now reduced to two small sections of wall, which you can either pass between in order to reach the bar, or else go either side of for one of the pub’s two main seating areas. This is the only really concession to the pub’s former multiple room layout, as aside from those sections of wall, the place is pretty much open plan. There are exposed floorboards throughout much of the pub, although some highly decorative floor tiles in the centre of the room suggest that this place was probably once part of the O’Neill’s chain of Irish theme bars. Tables and chairs fill the larger left-hand space, but over to the right, the seating options are far more eclectic, including a mix of high and low stools, tub chairs and even a picnic bench. There’s a decent fireplace over to this side, slightly obscured by a large TV screen showing live football – one of many such screens throughout the pub. The large servery can be found along the back wall of the left-hand side of the pub, and has a long counter in an L-shape, and an off-centre bar back, which looks like a legacy from the pub’s former two bar layout. The room extends a fair way back on the right-hand side of the bar, where a stage for live music can be found and some nice posters brighten up the wall space. There are shelving units on both sides of the pub, each stacked full of board games and the first thing I saw upon entering the pub, was a young couple deeply immersed in a game of Scrabble. There appears to be some sort of side room behind the servery, but I couldn’t work out how to get in there and wasn’t sure if this space was actually open to the public. The décor throughout the pub is a little quirky and includes an impossible to reach, high shelf full of more board games, various African-style masks on the walls and a bunch of model airplanes hung from the ceiling. There was just the one cask ale available when I arrived – Fullers London Pride – with two other hand pumps sporting reversed clips, which may suggest I got a little unlucky and could perhaps expect a slightly wider selection at other times. The Pride was actually in good condition and was served to me by a very cheery barmaid who was excited to pour the very first pint of Pride in their new branded glassware, which had arrived earlier that day. This seemed like a lively pub with a good, mixed crowd, friendly staff and some well-kept beer. It treads a fine line between contemporary bar and a more traditional pub feel, sacrificing the multiple room layout to create something more appealing to a younger customer base. I enjoyed relaxing here for a while and would definitely consider a return the next time I’m in the area. Date of visit – 8th November 2023

Official site of The Rebel Inn - www.therebelinn.com

Official site of The Rebel Inn - www.therebelinn.com

There were four handpumps in a bank on the bar, but only one in operation dishing out Monty Python's Flying Circus by Black Sheep (4.5% and £2 a half). They use sparklers here, but just in time I noticed the barmaid fiddling with it - tightening it up I think - and asked her to remove it, which she did although she seemed a little surprised by my request. I didn't see any sign of food on my midweek mid-afternoon visit. This is quite an interesting, if modern, pub. Much of the floor near the bar is tiled panels, the rest being bare-boarded. Furnishings are almost entirel normal tables and chairs with just a couple of tall tables/tall stools. There are newspapers in a rack; board games on shelves; two table football games at the back; a dartboard on the right; and some model aeroplanes - notably including the iconic Concorde - hanging from the ceiling. Unusual enough, but on one wall I spotted some Asian masks (Indian and/or Thai I think), and in one of the front windows was a fish tank and in another some plants - including tomatoes - were being grown. I think it's the first time that I've seen a mini nursery (other than with kids involved!) in a pub. There's also a small stage on the right. This is quite a good pub now, and my MPFC was in good shape. But do watch out for the sparklers. I've given it a six for the eclectic nature of the place; a more varied ale selection would have warranted a higher score.