Duke on the Green, Parsons Green, SW6

Dating from the early 19th century as the Duke’s Head, this was rebuilt in 1892, now grade II-listed and known as the Duke of Cumberland by the early ‘70s. A commanding, plush pub with a kilim by the coal effect fire, drawing in the customer from the cold. High ceilinged, swaddled with chocolate brown Anaglypta, there are fine mouldings above the fireplace. There are several structural columns with Corinthian capitals, but these are more elegant than usual, with fluted shafts. The most striking element of the interior is the fantastic polychromatic, tiled triptych to a wall. Furniture is conventional, with opposed bench seating to the left-hand section. A problem here is the acoustics, sound reverberating around, making conversation all but impossible. Customers are typical Parsons Green types, the pub being well attended. A Young’s pub, serving up just Special and Winter Warmer at a very steep £2.70 a half but nice. This is a very grand pub, but as mentioned, it’s a place to come for a swift half to admire the grouting before moving on.

Lovely looking pub from outside and smartly done up inside. Plenty of empty tables at the rear of the pub but for diners only. Bad.Four handpumps in use inc Winter Warmer.My pint of Special was as it said special.Young,s pubs now have decent keg beer as well with 2 each from Meantime and Camden.

Official site of Duke On The Green - www.dukeonthegreen.co.uk

Official site of Duke On The Green - www.dukeonthegreen.co.uk