The Earlsfield, Earlsfield, SW18

This is a newly opened bar and restaurant in what was once upon a time the original ticket office for Earlsfield Station. The narrow frontage on Garratt Lane is very deceptive. The entrance there takes you into what is effectively the main bar as this is where the bar counter is sited. There's a long corridor-like room leading towards the current station booking office, and where all tables are laid for diners. In the main bar there several good quality tables and chairs, including one massive solid wood beast. This room is something of an atrium, with a timber framed ceiling. Beyond the main bar is a conservatory room, which of course has a decent amount of natural light, and some stairs lead up to a mezzanine room that looks down into the main bar. An open to view kitchen is behind the servery. It looks as if a fair bit of money has been invested in making this place a destination venue for those with money to spend. The elegant upmarket feel they are clearly trying to create was cheapened a bit by the kitchen staff doing more than their fair share of swearing within hearing range of customers, but maybe it's not always like that. The place was doing a good trade during my early evening visit, with the conservatory area reserved for a private party, and at least a couple of the tables also reserved. There were a couple of ales on, both from By the Horns Brewery - Lambeth Walk (a porter) and, most appropriately considering the address, Mayor of Garratt, which is fairly standard bitter. The Mayor of Garratt was £4.50 a pint, which I reckon is way over the top for Earlsfield. A cocktail/drinks/snacks menu also listed numerous bottled beers from around the world. They obviously major on food here, but there wasn't a full menu on my table but I'm confident that if the beer prices are anything to go by it won't be cheap. The snacks menu included stuff like homemade pork scratchings (£3), and potted shrimp with toast (£6.50). Although this is a nice enough place I found it a little clinical and soulless, but that may just be a product of my personal preferences. Also, I don't much fancy paying £4.50 for a pint of fairly standard 4.3% bitter brewed only a stone's throw from the pub. Clearly they're doing something right though, judging by the custom they seem to be attracting. It's good for what it is - a bar/restaurant. But it's not really my cup of tea as I prefer the traditional pub.