The Bulls Head, Croydon

Very much a locals pub nowadays with a more sedately painted exterior of plain white, very little mention of Crystal Palace at all inside apart from a small framed colured drawing of the pub in its former colours hanging on a wall. No real ale but the place was buzzing with custom. A pint of Guinness surficed for a short stay. I'm not likely to return but it was ok for a one off.

Garish Crystal Palace coloured exterior with quite a plain L shaped interior. 4 real ale taps 2 on.

If I had of known that there were no up-to-date photos of the Bulls head I would have taken a picture of the now blue and red exterior. This newish paint job certainly makes this back street local stand out from the adjacent houses. The interior is J shaped with a dartboard and a couple of plasma screens for showing live football. There is also a jukebox that was playing some low background music during my visit on Wednesday afternoon. The bar is stocked with standard draught and two of the five hand pumps were unused leaving Greene King IPA, Courage Best and Caledonian’s Over the Bar as the ale options. I didn’t notice any menus but there was a sign on the wall advertising the availability of traditional English and Jamaican food. I found the guy behind the jump to be very friendly, but I think I’ll leave this place to the locals in future.

Looks and feels like a basic back-street boozer of the lager and footie variety, so it was something of a surprise to find five handpumps on the counter. Three of these were on, offering Greene King IPA, Hobgoblin and Doom Bar (£3.40, and in good condition). Plain furniture and decor in the 'L'-shaped bar, with further small seating areas at each end. Also has a few patio tables out front. Yes, it does have plenty of sports TVs, and some of the locals were a bit 'lively', but the landlord is a very welcoming chap.