Wheelwrights, South End, Croydon

A proper locals pub with real people. On my visit they had no ales on as the bombardier had just finished so I had a reasonably priced Guinness. The downside to the pub was it smelt slightly smoky as the patio doors to the small beer garden was left open but it smelt like a pub should be.

This is an old fashioned working man's pub set just off of Brighton Road. The interior has a few interesting features such as the painted handpumps, as well as some pub cliches like the fireplace surrounded by horse brasses. London Pride and Wells Bombadier were on offer, although the latter was off on my visit. The Pride was a little cloudy and i got the impression that it's not exactly the pubs biggest seller. There seemed to be quite a bit organised to keep the locals entertained such as live music, darts nights and karaoke. I got the impression that this is the sort of place where you get more from your visit by being a regular and although service was friendly enough, I felt like I was intruding somewhat. If the shiny lights of the Brighton Road bars aren't your scene, this could be the sort of pub you're looking for.