The Griffin Belle, SW8

This is a mid-19th century pub, originally the Builders Arms, formerly the Vauxhall Griffin, the current name dating from 2018. The aspidistra no longer flying, this is now part of the small Belle chain and totally changed since the last review, the interior is a bit of a shocker, the black and white chequered floor being the sanest item of note. Thereafter, there are a multitude of mirrors, modern herringbone bevelled mirrors to the bar back, the entire bar front clad with more bevelled mirrors, looking like a fairground attraction. At least one wall and the entire ceiling are completely covered with gaudy plastic flowers and similar vines, the latter also featuring oversized plastic butterflies. Furniture features marble topped tables with tubular steel chairs and a burgundy fluted banquette. Customers amounted to a lost looking family of three, all eating rather than looking at the seven large and one enormous TVs showing random dross with the sound off, so as not to compete with Kylie playing on my arrival. Cask amounted to just Pride, so it was a half of Neck Oil at a shocking £3.80, served by a nonchalant manager. Customers aside, with all the plastic flowers, butterflies, Pride, mirrors and Kylie I’ve never been in such a camp pub (though I’d yet to visit their sister pub, the Duchess Belle) and I’d just come from the RVT.

Official site of The Griffin Belle - www.bellepubsandrestaurants.co.uk

Official site of The Griffin Belle - www.bellepubsandrestaurants.co.uk

The price of Wainwright ale has gone up to £4.95. Used to like this pub, friendly staff. But it has priced me out of their customers. If there was a zero rating, it would be given so gave it 1 and that is being generous. Not going back in there again.