Royal Standard, Wandsworth, SW18

Tris C left this review about Royal Standard

Dating from at least the late 19th century, this is very much a hidden backstreet pub which you’re unlikely to find unless you’re looking for it.
This small place underwent a contemporary makeover in 2019, probably followed by further work after an electrical fire in 2022. The result, despite outward appearances, are trendified dark grey walls with a white ceiling, an original element of interest being the Art Nouveau stained-glass leaded clerestory windows; the silent, unwatched football was a domineering annoyance, especially in such a confined space. Customers were a jolly, mixed bunch aside from the loud swearing emanating from one knuckle dragger next to me at the bar.
Aside from an unused pump, cask was a choice between Brakspeare’s Oxford Gold or Gravity, £2.80 a half, served by a very friendly landlady who gave me an unprompted top-up; it was in great shape too.
Despite the modern colour scheme and sweary customer, this is a nice pub, probably the best in the immediate vicinity, but I couldn’t help feeling that it acts like a bit of a fluffer for the Alma next door; with the distractions addressed, this could be a decent boozer.

On 1^st March 2024 - rating: 6
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