The Spotted Horse, Putney, SW15

Attractive looking pub from the frontage but far too modern inside. Surprisingly none of the Youngs beers were ready so we were left with a very average Adnams Broadside at £6.30 a pint.

Initially enticingly attractive, this is an 18th century frontage to Putney High Street, but the interior was rebuilt in 2000, the venue boasting a 5-star hygiene rating. The pub’s website claims it’s ‘The best pub on Putney High Street’ and it’s impossible to disagree, given that it’s the only pub on Putney High Street. As mentioned, there’s nothing for the traditionalist here, with a modernised bordering on industrial interior which can be seen on their website, once you’ve negotiated the plethora of photos of flat cap-sized Yorkshire puddings. Where alcohol obviously flows freely, this is a very blokey, laddish pub, with much shouting to overcome the loud music, making conversation all but impossible on my visit last Saturday night. A Young’s pub, so no surprises in the form of London Original and Special, then Adnams Broadside at £6.30 a pint, despite me clearly requesting a half, though in good condition; perhaps the barman didn’t hear my request, a product of the very loud music? As with most of SW15, this isn’t a great pub; the better – but not great – choice close to here being the Jolly Gardeners.

This is still a Young's pub that had the predictable ales on - Bombardier, Young's Special and Bitter (£4 a pint). The food looked to be fairly expensive - e.g. the cheeseburger, lettuce, ale onions (whatever they are), gherkins, ketchup and mayo is 13 (or £13 to you and me), with chips an extra 3.5 (£3.50). An atractive frontage with its bay windows suggests an olde worlde pub, but being a Young's pub it's nothing like an olde worlde pub inside, having been madeover to death over the years. It doesn't seem to have changed appreciably since Maldenman's visit exactly 5 years ago - it still has that hotel lounge look, with some booth seating, bucket armchairs, and jazzy carpet. The area at the back still looks to be reserved for diners, but on the plus side there are enough normal tables and chairs towards the front of the pub for drinkers. This is an OK pub. There's nothing wrong with it and nothing special either. This is not one for those who like the traditional pub. My pint of Young's Bitter was in good shape though.

The SPOTTED HORSE:- In the middle of Putney High Street, this pub has well-served the people of Putney (...and Fulham!) for decades (of which I can remember 4)...! A welcome watering hole for any thirsty horse or old nag. (!) And I do believe they're serving 'Meantime Brewery' beers here now. There's a welcome sight on a Saturday afternoon :o) TJ