William Morris, Merton, SW19

Official site of William Morris - www.wmpub.co.uk

Official site of William Morris - www.wmpub.co.uk

Somewhat newbuild, with a rather bland boxy feel to the bar area, but nicely located next to the river Wandle so I'm sure the roof terrace must be popular on a sunny day. Didn't know of this place until recently, surprising since I use the nearby Traf regularly, but there is quite a cosmopolitan complex surrounding the pub, eateries include Mama Rosa's italian, Belgian bagel/creperie, Caribbean jerk shop, also weekend market, craft shops. William Morris has 4 handpumps but uses just 2, on my visit they were Bateman's Valiant & XB, although the latter had already gone. Valiant looked good, but was too cold & a little tangy (£3.05). Food mains incl fish&chips, steak pie, scampi, sausage&mash, £8/9. The layout & beer limitations make me feel this is something of a wasted opportunity.

I paid a return visit to this pub the other evening, to find the interior unchanged. It's comfortable enough, with traditional seating wrapped around a central island bar. There's no doubt that this pub comes into its own when the weather's fine enough to sit outside to watch the River Wandle ambling past. There's an upstairs terrace which is a great place to spend time in the summer. The ale selection was OK on my visit. The four ales on were Old Golden Hen, O'Hanlon's Yellowhammer, and a couple from the London Beer Factory (a microbrewery based in Gipsy Hill) - London Session Bitter (3.8% and £4 a pint), and Chelsea Blonde (4.3% and £4.10 a pint). I had both of the LBF ales and both were on fine form, and in particular the Chelsea Blonde, which was a smooth hoppy ale. I reckon this pub's worth a visit if you're in the area. Best to pick a nice day though.