Trinity Arms, SW9

There’s no need to add much to other reviewers’ description of this traditional backstreet watering hole. This is a Young’s pub, but it had on Bath Gem as guest ale when I visited on Wednesday afternoon. There were menus in little wicker baskets on the bar counter, but I didn’t examine them, and in any case it appeared that at 2.45PM on Wednesday afternoon they had done with food for lunchtime. During my visit all the tables had little posies of carnations on them, as well as containers full of colouring pens so that punters can add their embellishments to pictures of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and have them stuck on the wall. Class, or what? But I assume that this is a temporary aberration. However I did like the models above one of the bar gantries of what appeared to comprise a New Orleans jazz quintet. But this most certainly a real pub, tucked away in one of the more salubrious parts of Brixton, and is definitely worth the effort of walking from the high street to find.

As others have mentioned below, this is a nice street corner pub in a peaceful, secluded square, just a short walk from Brixton station. The U-shaped interior hints at a former two-room set up which has now been knocked into one. The room has a high ceiling, typical of this sort of Victorian era building and is nicely carpeted, with half wood panelled walls. There is a fair bit of seating available around the perimeter, mostly in the form of padded benches, tables and low stools. This is a Young's House and the six hand pumps were dispensing four of their beers - Ordinary, Special, Winter Warmer (£3.27) and London Gold. My pint of Winter Warmer was okay, but served a bit too cold for my liking. The bar was well staffed on a Friday evening and I found their service to be prompt and friendly. A few people were eating, and although I didn't see any menus, there was a blackboard listing specials on one of the walls. A list of upcoming six nations rugby fixtures was also on the board, suggesting that they show live sport here as well, although I didn't spot any TV screens. Live music was also being promoted on various posters. I thought this was quite a nice pub and with few other options in the area, this is as good a bet as any for a decent pint in pleasant surroundings.