Royal Standard, Wandsworth, SW18

Dating from at least the late 19th century, this is very much a hidden backstreet pub which you’re unlikely to find unless you’re looking for it. This small place underwent a contemporary makeover in 2019, probably followed by further work after an electrical fire in 2022. The result, despite outward appearances, are trendified dark grey walls with a white ceiling, an original element of interest being the Art Nouveau stained-glass leaded clerestory windows; the silent, unwatched football was a domineering annoyance, especially in such a confined space. Customers were a jolly, mixed bunch aside from the loud swearing emanating from one knuckle dragger next to me at the bar. Aside from an unused pump, cask was a choice between Brakspeare’s Oxford Gold or Gravity, £2.80 a half, served by a very friendly landlady who gave me an unprompted top-up; it was in great shape too. Despite the modern colour scheme and sweary customer, this is a nice pub, probably the best in the immediate vicinity, but I couldn’t help feeling that it acts like a bit of a fluffer for the Alma next door; with the distractions addressed, this could be a decent boozer.

Official site of Royal Standard - royalstandardwandsworth.co.uk

Official site of Royal Standard - royalstandardwandsworth.co.uk

A pretty unremarkable corner pub, small single roomed with two handpumps at the bar, only an average Sambrooks Wandle on, but sensibly priced for the area, at £3.95. The pub was empty on a Sunday lunchtime, I am unlikely to bother again.

Modern stripped back pub with the ceiling decorated with flags.Advertised craft bitters outside(what the hell are craft bitters )but no cask beer and pretty bland keg selection.Tried Guinness -hop house lager.

Modest corner pub with quite a plain yet attractive façade. Limited amount of plain furniture in the slightly tapering bar, with a small lounge area beyond and a tiny patio area at the back. Also has several wooden bench seats out on the pavement. Just one of two handpumps in use, but a decent pint of Purity Pure Gold (£3.70) served. TV sport seems to be the main thing here, and the place manages to retain a 'local' atmosphere.