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Detail Pages
Leather Bottle, SW17
SW17
SW17 0NY
Reviews (Current Rating Average: 5½ of 10) see review guidelines
Tris C left this review about Leather Bottle
This grade II-listed freestanding pub dates from 1721 and was probably a coaching inn, serving Garrett Lane’s 2.6-mile meandering length. There’s a beer garden which the pub claims is ‘The best beer garden in SW London’ and customer parking, about which no boasts are made.
Through the modern doors with their automatic closers and this place has probably changed a fair bit since Rex’s visit almost 10 years ago, not least due to a renovation of March this year and yes, you’ve guessed it, it’s one of Young’s throw the baby out with the bathwater affairs as this now has an interior best described as resembling a baronial hotel bar, with masses of natural new dark wood field panelling, modern boarded floor, ‘antique’ oil paintings with brass picture lights and mixed furniture, some lounge-style, lit with glass ‘n’ brass hanging lights. There’s a modern bar back which displays a large selection of scotch, gins and bottles of champagne; the only items of heritage I managed to spot were some interesting residual exposed rough-hewn dark members, with unusual textured infill. Customers were youthful and boisterous with a clutch of older customers, filling the modern rear dining area and, late Friday, making for quite a rumpus when combined with the rather loud soul soundtrack.
A poor cask selection – and especially for a Friday – amounted to just London Original and Special, Neck Oil at £3.70 a half, served by a monosyllabic barman.
I remember a local friend speaking highly of this place over 10 years ago, but I doubt she’d be so enamoured now; a short bus ride north takes you to Young’s beautiful Spread Eagle, proof that the brewer doesn’t have to remodel every pub in its portfolio.
On 12th May 2024
- rating: 4
[User has posted 2007 recommendations about 1973 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Rex Rattus left this review about The Leather Bottle
When you see a Young’s branded as “pub and dining”, you pretty well know what to expect. When I entered, the large room on the right was reserved for Amanda’s party, and a jolly time they all seemed to be having. The room around to the back and left of the servery had tables all laid for diners and was stoutly defended by a “wait to be seated” sign. That left the main bar area that had sofas (with an old leather bound chest pressed into service as a table) and some tall stools at a ledge. All very Young’s. On the bar counter was slice of tree trunk with pies and/or Scotch eggs on it (unpriced as far as I could see). Everybody was paying for their drinks with plastic cards of some kind, except for one bloke brandishing a £50 note, and me of course who sorted through his shrapnel for the correct money. The barmaid probably though I was some sort of quaint throwback, as I don’t suppose she gets given coins very often. I reckon the first cashless pub is nearly upon us.
There were Young’s ales available of course (Bitter at £1.80 a half), plus Redemption Pale Ale. This pub is fine if you like madeover Young’s pubs, or appreciate the “pub & dining” experience.
On 18th June 2013
- rating: 5
[User has posted 2606 recommendations about 2520 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Chris 87 left this review about The Leather Bottle
Biggish multi-roomed Youngs Pub on Garratt Lane; On a weekend visit was extremely busy due to the massive garden out the back. Beers included London Gold, Special, Bitter, Bath Gem and Sambrook's Wandle (£3.30). There is a lounge that on my visit was reserved for a private function, a mezzanine space and an area reserved specifically for diners. Bears all the hallmarks of a typical Youngs Pub although that big garden also lends it a country feel.
On 15th April 2011
- rating: 6
[User has posted 179 recommendations about 179 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
john mcgraw left this review about The Leather Bottle
A comfortable Young's pub selling their full range of real ales. a single bar at the front with an upper level for dining. although the emphasis is on food the beers were in fine form. NOTE: it is closed from Feb 7th and will re-open on Friday 6th March this is for a re-furb.
On 10th February 2009
- rating: 8
[User has posted 2044 recommendations about 2025 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Malden man left this review about The Leather Bottle
Newish modern interior, seems to be aiming for the affluent 20-30 somethings. Absolutely chock full of the afternoon mums club, 3 wheeler buggies abound, plus the noise of bored kids. Youngs bitter, Special and Charles Wells Bombardier.
Clearly visited by an interior design team who really do not understand what a traditional pub should be like. I visited here some years ago and I'd say it has been ruined. A shame.
Sorry folks but I didn't like it here.
On 26th October 2007
- rating: 4
[User has posted 1708 recommendations about 1681 pubs]