The Cavendish Arms, South Lambeth, SW8

This is a mid-19th century pub that was rebuilt for some reason in the ‘60s, essentially to serve the surrounding estate; in every other respect though, it couldn’t be more different from your typical estate local. The interior appears to have gone full-on bonkers since Rex’s review (see photos), with kilims, kitsch, gaudy sofas, a papier-mâché shark hanging from the ceiling, the hedonistic whole looking like a cross between Joan Collins’ boudoir and a gypsy fortune-teller’s caravan, with young bohemian professional local customers blending in well with their rococo habitat. One solitary pump next to an LGBTQ+ flag was dispensing Mad Goose at £2.50 a half, though a bit tired, served by a friendly barman. A fun place and despite the lack of pump clips all over the walls, the beer here – I finished my half – and overall experience is better than the Priory next door.

Official site of The Cavendish Arms - thecavendisharmsstockwell.co.uk

Official site of The Cavendish Arms - thecavendisharmsstockwell.co.uk

There was just one handpump on the bar counter - it had a sparkler on the nozzle, but unforunately there was no cask attached to it. The usual fizzy stuff was available, as well as Red Strip and Tiger lager (£2.05 a half). I didn't see any sign of menus or food on Thursday evening, but I did spot a table at the end of the bar bearing condiments, so they must do food at some times. This post-war pub seems to comprise two separate rooms. The room on the left - the "Back Room" seems to be used for live entertainment, but it didn't seem to be open when I visited on Thursday. The room on the right might be best described as the saloon or lounge bar. It has a well worn carpet, is furnished with a gang of sofas and armchairs taking up the middle of the floor, with some banquettes and normal tables and chairs round the edges. There were little tea lights on the tables, some books and prints on a ledge by the windows, and a chalkboard on a pillar just inside the door provides a "Welcome to the Cav". This is a very "red" pub, with the carpet, walls, sofas, and ceiling above the severy all this colour. There are a few benches in an enclosed area at the front. This is actually quite a warm and friendly pub - at least it seemed that way when I visited, although there were only a couple of others in there. A decent ale would be a massive plus though. I got the impression that the handpump does get some use, so maybe I was just unlucky.