Charlie Butler, Mortlake, SW14

Charlie Butler was the head drayman at Young’s brewery for over 40 years, and this pub was named after him when it was built in 1968. It replaced an older pub on the site called the Old George. This pub has been under threat of closure for some while, and it’s imminent demise might well be foreshadowed by the fact that the excellent pub sign, featuring Charlie with a drayhorse called Steve, has gone leaving a gaping hole in the metal frame. But when I was in the other day it didn’t look like a pub that was about to close as someone was painting (or perhaps touching up) a mural on the back wall featuring a man at a bar counter. The pub itself still has two large separate rooms, which was still the vogue in 1968. I spent my visit in the room on the right, which is simply furnished with normal tables and chairs, including an ornate six-seater table in the middle of the room. One table was laid for diners (but unoccupied during my late lunchtime visit). There’s also a small alcove of a room to the left of the main room, plus a bit of outdoor seating. There’s not a great deal of decor – mainly chalkboards advertising some food (burger, chips and veg for £7.80) and forthcoming attractions, including some live music. But one piece of decor caught my eye – another bright mural on the right hand wall depicting such iconic, and highly appropriate, images such as the University Boat Race and the Young’s drays. I would say that this ought to be the sort of place that one could visit to enjoy a quiet pint, but the quietness was seriously disturbed during my visit by the loud rock music being played. Nonetheless I hope that the rumours of this pub’s demise have been exaggerated.

The Charlie Butler looks like a 70s built pub and it is fairly close to the Thames and Mortlake green. There were two rooms in this pub a smart lounge and a bar i went in the lounge which was quite comfortable. This pub is a Youngs tied house and there were two real ales on the bar i had a drink of Youngs bitter and this was a decent drink the other beer was Youngs Special. Pub visited 14/12/2002

This pub is split into two with a plasma screen on both sides and a pool table on one and a dartboard on the other, a match made in heaven if you ask me. Sky Sports feed was playing whilst I was there and I didn't spot any football advertised, but I would be surprised if they didn't show it. There are a couple of benches outside the front of the pub by the car park and there is also some covered seating around the side of the pub. Youngs Ordinary and Special were available whilst I was there, but the Winter Warmer was off. There was also a selection of standard lagers along with Strongbow and Guinness. I was the only person in the pub during lunchtime, but the barman was friendly and I liked the layout and general feel of the place. This is the sort of pub I would meet the lads in for a good old session.