The Alma Tavern, Addiscombe, Croydon

This pub was probably once a thriving focal point for Addiscombe residents, given that it was situated next to the now long departed Addiscombe railway station. Now sadly, it is a bit of a rough and ready local's boozer with a poor reputation. Despite living a stone's throw away, I'd never bothered to try the place out, but blackboards outside the pub have recently announced the fact that they now have real ales on offer. I was greeted by a friendly barmaid who pointed out two pumps offering Bombadier and Old Speckled Hen. I gave the latter a try and it was a perfectly passable pint, although I seemed to be the only person giving it a try, as lagers seemed to dominate the table around me. The interior was dominated by the huge bar which takes up much of the space, forcing customers into the rear where a pool table can be found, or to the side where there was an area set aside for karaoke and a couple of games machines kept the locals happy. Loud music was being pumped out, even at 5:30 on a Tuesday evening, which didn't make for a particularly relaxing atmosphere. There is also a huge decking area in front of the pub which attracts a fair few customers in the summer months and Happy hour deals were being advertised for various time slots throughout the week. Not a great pub, but it seems to serve its purpose well enough and it's encouraging to see a pub that has never bothered with ale, finally getting something on.