The Bull, Streatham Common, SW16

Tris C left this review about The Bull

With the name Pied Bull in mosaic to the entrance of the former billiard room (see photos), this pub dates from at least the mid-18th century, possibly a fair bit earlier, but was undoubtedly rebuilt in this rather grand style at the end of the 19th century; some Young & Co’s tiling still persists, probably dating from the ‘20s or ‘30s.
Substantial inside, the pub has been seriously mauled by Young’s, probably when the name was pointlessly truncated to the Bull in 2015. Yes, there’s an attractive entrance vestibule with stained glass, more stained glass to a lantern above the former billiard room then some lovely etched and cut-glass panels behind the bar. Thereafter, it’s mullered: patterned tiling or bare boarded, some bare brick, threequarters height wood panelling to the rear dining area (possibly original), walls either blue rag washed or bare brick, lots of trendy light fittings and mixed furniture. Customers were professional locals, most seemed to be eating but none in the dining area.
There was London Original and Special, but the cask I would have drunk – Twickenham Grandstand – was ‘Coming Soon’. On a Saturday. At 9.45pm. So it was more Neck Oil, my half arriving in a pint glass in exchange for £7.55, courtesy of a deaf barman.
This is about par for the course for Young’s and better than their Manor Arms up the road; this is a very poor postcode for pubs, the Railway being the one to beat.

Rated: 4.5.

On 13^th June 2025 - rating: 4
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