Park Tavern, SW18

Official site of Park Tavern - www.parktavernsw18.com

Official site of Park Tavern - www.parktavernsw18.com

In the midst of a refurb which appears to consist of painting the exterior a nasty colour and taking out internal charm. Inside is a large and rattly dog leg shaped place with a turquoise and white colour scheme, the turquoise at the expense of the extensive wood panelling. To the left rear the original wood panelling has been retained for a decent-looking dining area. Three pumps with two on, Wadworth 6X which was apple tasting and murky (“it’s fresh on!” said the barman) and eventually exchanged with bad grace for a completely flat (NBSS 1) Deuchars. I'm sure when the refurb is done the pashmina and prosecco set will love the place but beer drinkers needn't bother.

There were three ales on handpump – Deuchars IPA; Wadworth’s 6X; and something called Walk In The Park, with “Park Tavern” also on the pump clip. I asked the barmaid who brewed the house ale, not expecting her to know, but she confirmed that it was Caledonian. And an excellent, dark, rich ale it was too, at £3.35 pint not too out of kilter with London suburban beer prices. I didn’t see any sign of food or menus (I was in at 2.30 PM on Friday), but I’m sure they must do food as there was a large side room at the back where the tables were laid for diners. The pub itself doesn’t look anything special from the outside with its black and cream colour scheme, but the interior retains a number of interesting features. The latticed bow windows look attractive and are enhanced by the stained glass panels in the upper parts. The walls all retain what looks like the original wood panelling from an inter-war fitting, and the dining area at the back is dominated by an impressive fireplace with a wood gantry surround. The front room as you enter has a couple of sofas/armchairs on the left, but the rest of the room has normal tables and chairs. There’s a few shelves here bearing some books and various games. A wood panelled archway on the left leads to a small room (once upon a time the Public Bar judging by the mosaic floor in the entranceway) which in turn leads to the dining area. There’s not much in the way of wall decor, but the wood panelling is decor in itself. This struck me as a surprisingly good pub in a very unprepossessing area. I would be happy to visit again.