The Merton Apprentice, SW19

A pub in the Merton Abbey Mills complex ,this former industrial building has crittal windows all round giving lots of light during the day ,blue drapes can be drawn at night to create a more cosy atmosphere.The interior is modest with a mix of seating,some blue comfy chairs,a darts board to the right and a sports flatscreen off during my visit.Outside there are ranks of solid wood benches ,some designed as seating booths. Just Youngs Original on handpump (NBSS 2.5) with the other handpump offering a lilly's cider.There were a few indie beer taps but nothing extraordinary.The pub has a band of regulars who banter with the barman ,distracting him from clearing away a recent delivery from the right interior which limited space inside.The whole place also needed a good sweep,there was a lack of care but in good weather the bar will be busy.No need to revisit.

I think this place may have changed slightly since the previous reviewer's visit. There are still plenty of seats outside facing the bandstand, being mainly solid and chunky tables and benches, but no umbrellas on the last day of April. There is now no conservatory before you enter the pub proper, but maybe it gets added later in the year. Also, I didn't see the retro arcade machine and there's certainly no bar billiards now. There are still standard tables and chairs in the bar area, and the music themed decor is still present. There are two real ales on offer - Sharp's Cornish Coaster, and the excellent Darkstar American Brown Ale. They are no longer served from casks behind the servery, but from everyday handpumps on the bar counter. There were several keg beers available, notably a couple from Belleville Brewery who have said that they are moving away from cask conditioned ales in favour of keg beer. They don't do food, but they seem to allow food to be brought in from the market as I spotted a couple tucking into something that they had brought in. The beer choice is not outstanding, but a couple of real ales is a big plus for a bar in the market area. Definitely worth a punt if you're visiting Merton Abbey Mills.