The Falcon, SW11

Randomness Guide to London - Falcon entry

Randomness Guide to London - Falcon entry

The interior really is architecturally superb and pretty well unspoiled. The huge curved bar purports to be the longest in the country, who am I to argue, I 'm fairly sure I haven't seen one longer. I particularly like the snug by the entrance nearest to Clapham Junction station with its etched glass and half panelled snob screens, marginally messed with as now signed as a through route to the toilets to the rear. The rear room/area has dark ornate panelling and a feature stained glass window whereas the front area is brighter, has elaborate cast iron fluted columns, high ceilings and chandeliers, but with dubious aspects to traffic outside, although the former Arding and Hobbs (Debenhams now) building is of quality. I counted 16 handpumps in several banks around the perimeter of the bar, including a fair proportion of non-mainstream choices. The selection on my visit consisted of Pride, Taylors Landlord, Harveys Sussex, Adnams Broadside, Jennings Cumberland Ale, Beartown Bear Ass, Batemans Falling Leaves, Okells Autumn Dawn and Everards Equinox, delightful by the way. Food seems realistically priced with standard fare, sausages seeming to be a speciality. Certainly recommended.

Harveys Best, Dark Star, Over the Moon and a couple of random ales were available during my visit along with a standard draught selection from which I had a decent pint of Guinness. I got the feeling that this is a music venue even though nothing much was going on. There was a football match playing, but the plasma was off and I saw no sport ads so I gather there is no Sky Sports. I was surprised to see a paper-mache tree in the bar area, but not so surprised to find the smelliest toilet in Lewes festering at the rear of the pub. I found it hard to get settled in here and if in Lewes again I will walk past to the superior pubs up the steep hill.

They have now added a further six handpumps to the four in the back room, making a total of 22 for the pub. At lunchtime today they had 17 ales on; all the pumps were in use so some were clearly dispensing the same ales thus cutting down on the running around that the staff have had to do in the past. Also, they now seem to be offering the choice between straight glasses or jugs. The following from 9 Feb 2010: What an incredibly impressive pub interior. It has retained almost all of its original Victorian features – etched and cut glass everywhere; original panels and screens between separate drinking areas; and what some claim to be the longest bar counter in Britain. A very large pub, but because it hasn’t been turned into a drinking barn it has retained its essential character. There were 16 (yes, sixteen!) ales on during my recent visit, with most from micro or lesser known breweries. All four that I had were in excellent nick, with Cropton Britannia being the pick of the bunch in my opinion. At one time there were four doors, presumably leading to separate drinking compartments, but it’s now been opened up a bit so that you can move easily from one area to another. Furnishings are fairly traditional, with mainly normal tables and chairs, but there were some high tables with high stools, and a couple of banquette style booths. The only minor downsides were that it wasn’t really warm enough (I kept my coat on the whole time) – though it has to be said that it was a very cold February evening, and the bar staff started clearing up around customers at around 10.30, well before they stopped serving. We didn’t feel too comfortable being in there, and felt as if they wanted us to leave. Probably true, I suppose. Anyway, the ale selection is truly impressive, and I shall certainly be back.

Have seen this pub change over many years and I think the present incarnation is one of the best. Range of about 20 draught/keg beers, from scruttocks old dirigible to eurofizz but, most importantly, has a really good feel to it - a nice place to spend the evening. Close to Clapham Junction station.

What a gem this pub is. I didn't count properly, but I would guess there were about 10 ales on offer, plus another 10 or so lagers and a couple of ciders as well, scattered around all points of the compass on this enormous island bar. It's so big in fact, that you could have a very satisfying pub crawl without leaving the building. I tried the Sharps Doom Bar and Hop Back Crop Circle (both very nice, especially the Hop Back), before realising that there was a further selection awaiting me round the back of the bar. Each pump has brief tasting notes stuck to the clip to help aid your selection process, and as if that wasn't enough, there is a 'Falcon newsletter', with further details of what's on offer. There are a few bad points, such as the surly service, prohibitive prices and bizzarely, lack of proper bar snacks (no peanuts or crisps for crying out loud), but none of this should stop this place from being an essential stop off point whenever you're next travelling through Clapham.