The Palmerston, Carshalton

This is an interesting back street boozer, a short walk from Carshalton train station, but well tucked away so that you're unlikely to stumble across it. The pub has two rooms - the compact public bar to the left is seemingly popular, but has very limited seating and some pretty bland decor, plus a dartboard and a couple of games machines. Conversely, the saloon bar to the right is very nicely furnished, including some smart banquettes, leather upholstered stools and a fine collection of branded jugs and tankards suspended from the exposed beams. A signed England rugby shirt and a 1991 Royal Ascot winning jockey jersey took pride of place in their frames on one of the walls. I spotted at least one TV screen, turned off on my visit and the radio played quietly in the background. Ale choice was restricted to Harvey's Best (£3.00), Courage Best and Wells Bombareindeer. I had a bit of a wait to get served as the bar staff busied themselves with other tasks, and my Harvey's wasn't in the greatest condition - certainly served too cold for my liking. Posters advertised free soup for all customers Monday - Thursday after 18:00 and menus on the tables offered a range of standard pub grub. I quite liked the saloon bar here, but I'm not sure the place has enough going for it to merit a return visit, especially given the stiff competition from places like the Sun, which is just up the road. Worth a look though.

This is still a two-room pub, retaining what appear to be numerous original features – bar counter, wood panelling etc. I'm a bit surprised it's not on the CAMRA inventory of London's heritage interiors. Anyway, the only real ales they had on were Courage Best and Bombardier. The Bombardier was not particularly good, but maybe I was just unlucky. This is a really attractive, low-ceilinged pub. If they advertised it as a country pub in London they would not be too far from the truth. The furnishings were comfortable, and I received a warm welcome from the barmaid/landlady. I liked this pub a lot – it's the sort of off the beaten track local that appeals to me. Without a guest ale it's a very good pub (and I am giving them the benefit of the doubt regarding the iffy pint of Bombardier I had) but with one it would be an absolute gem.