White Ferry House, Pimlico, SW1

A nice old pointy pub in the vee of two streets, with some wonderful features as described previously. The bar back is especially splendid, although a little detracted from by occasional modern incursions, like the silly lightbulbs. The biggest problem with the pub is the large hostel upstairs, and there was a steady flow of hostel types checking in and otherwise cluttering the place up. Still at least it is surviving relatively unspoiled and hopefully might get restored rather than gutted. On handpump were Wandle Ale and Seacider, with the small row of craft fonts being slightly more interesting than average. Food is burgers only.

This place dates from the late 19th century, situated in the still socially mixed Pimlico. On approach, the upmarket beer patio gin umbrellas give the impression that this is going to be some upmarket gastropub, but actually it isn’t. It’s a hostel upstairs, with a young, clearly transient rather glum customer base – sparsely populated mid-Saturday evening – coupled with some older cackling more local types, typically smoking outside (obs). The interior is on CAMRA’s inventory for having an interior of regional importance and also grade II-listed. The main draw here is an attractive bar back in the left bar with its fine etched mirrors and ornate fireplace; the remainder seems quite modern: floor, lighting and so on. The right bar also features good etched windows but an open kitchen, devoted to the pub staple that is the burger; one bloke seemed to be eating his own food from a Tupperware bowl. Other fittings seem modern with a dark blue/grey colour scheme to the dado, mushroom paint to the picture rail, then white remainder and to the ceiling also. There was a cider and two ales on, Wandle and Big Hug Brewing’s Juicy Pale at a very agreeable of £4.40 and a reasonable pint it was too. The previous reviewer sums proceedings up perfectly in that it too reminds me of the Phoenix and that this place also gets a ‘4’ for the heritage bits and real ale, but not much else; the other pub visited was the Constitution where fun is part of the curriculum, if not decent ale.

White Ferry House site - www.whiteferryhousevictoria.hostel.com

Attractive tapered building, which looks from outside like it has probably been 'done up' inside (but thankfully it hasn't). The two bars remain separate, and the furniture and decor is traditional. Offers cheap accommodation, so can be quite busy in the saloon bar with people checking in and out. Two handpumps in each bar, offering Courage Best and Bombardier (normally £3.20, but £2.90 during the happy hour, and served in the right glass).

White Ferry House site - www.whiteferryhousevictoria.hostel.com