The Jolly Sailor, South Norwood, SE25

Please Note: This review is over a year old.

Pub SignMan left this review about The Jolly Sailor

A big refurb after a period of closure, has seen this place given a proper makeover, with all traces of its island bar and former multiple room layout removed, in favour of a servery placed economically down the right-hand wall, with a nice curved counter and grand bar back, leaving a big, open space with banquettes and chairs through the left and centre, for punters to settle down in. It's all cool paint schemes, fancy light fittings and comfy upholstery, with muted sports coverage failing to fully move the pub away from its former guise.
Beer wise, two handpulls, but nothing on, leaving pricy keg brews from Brixton and Beavertown as the next best option. The service was great and there was a nice, friendly mixed crowd on a Saturday night
It's way better than before, but still no destination pub - I enjoyed a quick visit but will stick to the Goathouse and Craft Beer Cabin when in Norwood.

Original review - 9th April 2011 Rated 3
One of a number of pubs on a short stretch of South Norwood's High Street, this is yet another two bar pub that has had the partitioning walls removed. We are left with an island bar and little sense of any distinctive former rooms, although the right hand side of the pub houses a pool table and dartboard, so it is perhaps safe to assume that this was the public bar. The place is carpeted throughout, with obscured windows and red and grey walls. The window in the door has the image of a ship's wheel in it, which is part of the pub's nautical theme which sees a ship’s clock, model ships and some oars on display among other things. A large Charringtons mirror and various Crystal Palace flags are also prominent.
Despite two handpumps, no ale was available, so I had a Guinness instead (£3.00), which was below par. Boards outside proclaimed all manner of drinks promotions, mostly on lager. My theory that any pub which shows 'At the Races' on their TV screens is likely to be terrible was not really disproved, with a few sorry looking individuals avidly following the action. Entertainment was otherwise provided by a very loud juke box which seemed to be programmed with a selection of hits from the 50's and not much else.
I didn't care much for this place and felt that it's the sort of pub that only the locals will ever really enjoy. I finished my Guinness and made a swift exit for somewhere a little less depressing.

On 13^th April 2024 - rating: 5
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