The Duchess Belle, SW8

As the Duchess of York, this pub dates from 1789 to be rebuilt in 1883, the current name applied in 2018 on becoming part of the Belle chain, situated opposite Battersea Power Station station and to the south of both substantial new developments and eponymous Sir Giles Gilbert Scott’s edifice which has recently reopened as a shopping centre. Even more so than the sister Griffin Belle, the interior is a textbook example of High Camp; bevelled mirrors to the front of the bar, then metallic rococo tiled ceiling in part, the main being covered in gaudy plastic leaves, flowers and enormous butterflies; cast iron columns are painted fuchsia (see photo) and there are Victorian-style crystal chandeliers. Thereafter there are a multitude of large TVs showing motorsport, commentary competing with background music. Furniture is fairly conventional, with a red banquette, some tables uncleared and exhibiting sauce bottles. Customers looked to be shoppers from BPS and given the décor some possibly gay customers, few in number for a Saturday night, though perhaps there were more out back in the substantial gazebo garden. There’s just Pride available here, swerved for a half of Neck Oil, served by a perfunctory barman, price forgotten. The utterly OTT interior and lack of a decent cask beer means I wouldn’t trouble this place again; the Mason’s down the road is the preferred option.

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

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