The Hop Pole, Wandsworth, SW18

This Shepherd Neame pub looks extremely attractive from the outside with its hanging baskets, pub name in relief on the gable, and “hop pole” picture. But on the inside it’s fairly ordinary with no notable features. There are a few tables with normal chairs and banquette seating, but the majority of seating is provided by high stools at the bar, at some high tables, and at ledges round the sides. The decor on the walls consists of chalkboards advertising food, or other adverts for forthcoming sporting events and suchlike. Food seems to be mainly Thai, although there are other options, including a Sunday lunch. As you would expect, there is a one-armed bandit, juke box, and TVs on the walls, showing a sports channel when I was in. The Shepherd Neame ales on were Spitfire and Masterbrew, the latter at £2.90 a pint. This is another of those just OK pubs with nothing special to recommend them. I wouldn’t object to coming here for another pint sometime as I’m quite happy with SN ales, but I wouldn’t go out of my way to do so.

A Shepherd Neame pub. Sells real ale and does Thai food all day it seems, except Sundays when they do traditional lunch. Has seating out the front & a garden at the back.