Shelverdine Goathouse, SE25

An Antic pub that I have not been to for over 5 years. This one is convenient for Norwood Junction station and also Selhurst Park football ground. In fact we had come here directly from the ground and were hoping to grab a beer here whilst waiting for the crowds to die down. Unfortunately for us, most of the crowds were in here. Bouncers on the door were trying to encourage people into 3 separate queues for the bar. The reality was a very disorganised scrum. We did eventually get to the bar after around 10 minutes and finally received some beer in plastic glasses. The solitary real ale is now Volden Session. The last time I visited, I counted 4 real ales. So, things have gone downhill somewhat. It's possible that they'd run out of other beers before the match. But they also had 2 hours to tap some new ones. A former Wetherspoon's, the pub is split into three sections. We didn't get any further than the central section this time around. As previously stated, it enjoys a prime location. Otherwise, I just wouldn't bother.

They seem to be maintaining the good ale selection here, unlike one or two other Antic pubs I've visited that seem to be slipping down a bit in that respect. This one had on a couple of Volden ales of course - Session Ale and Summer Ale (£1.80 a half), plus Manchester Summer Extra Pale and one other (couldn't read my notes!), as well as a couple of draught ciders. The kitchen's now up and running (opens at 18.00 during the week), but I was in too early to see a menu. As usual with an Antic pub this one has plenty of quirky features. The exposed brickwork is there in abundance, ugly ducting on the ceiling, and although the furniture's mismatched it does look a bit better quality than is usually the case with Antic. The pub looks to be occupying the space of three former shops, with the three drinking areas it now comprises all being at slightly different levels. The bar's in the middle area so one needs to watch ones feet if carrying drinks between them. There's some shelving between a couple of the areas bearing books and other stuff, a framed display of household implements on one wall in the left hand room as well another display of china cups and the like. The room on the right in which I sat had a display of collars and purses on one wall. It's all very Antic. One really good plus point was the concertina windows that were fully open on a hot July day - shame about the busy main road outside. It's definitely the best pub for beer in South Norwood, although it has to be said that there's little serious competition. I would be delighted to visit this one again.

Not been into the former William Stanley for nearly five years, but the standard Wetherspoon interior has been stripped right out and replaced by the sort semi-shabby eclectic mix of furniture and decor you would expect from Antic. I found five of six handpumps on, with a couple of Volden beers selection of other - mostly local - real ales, e.g. Battersea Brownstone (£4.00, and in good form, but a great deal more than what the previous owners would have charged). I also managed to mis-time my visit to coincide with the lead up to a Palace home game so had to put up with a polycarbonate 'glass', but the atmosphere was noisy yet good natured.

Official site of The Shelverdine Goathouse - shelverdinegoathouse.com

Official site of The Shelverdine Goathouse - shelverdinegoathouse.com