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Detail Pages
The Beehive, SW11
SW11
SW11 1TH
Pub Type
Fuller'sReviews (Current Rating Average: 6½ of 10) see review guidelines
Tris C left this review about The Beehive
Dating from at least the start of the 1870s, this was a Charrington’s pub by 1919, a photo from 1968 showing a wonderful quirky interior.
Bare boarded, the interior is not quite so quirky now, well, apart from the blue moose head mounted to a wall. Otherwise, it’s got a simple wood and mirrored bar back, some of which looks vintage, then a bar front and wainscotting which are duck egg green, with floral wallpaper above; a ceiling of two levels is white to the front, then lowered, white with exposed rafters to the middle. Alongside the moose head, décor amounted to just a few books to the rear then exasperating rugby bunting and Guinness propaganda. Customers were hard to define as aside from me, everyone was out front though they were certainly on the younger side.
Despite the stewardship, there were three unused pumps then two dispensing just Pride, a half of Neck Oil taken in preference, £3.45 served by a barman who was friendly enough.
This isn’t a bad pub but with the cask choice and noise it’s below average, but certainly the best along this hill, but the lack of a good Dark Star option is an omission and the loud noise of what I assume was the chiller compressor (which was giving the stereo a run for its money) was an annoyance; no wonder everyone was outside.
On 11th September 2023
- rating: 4
[User has posted 1985 recommendations about 1951 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Just a quick pint, then I'm off left this review about The Beehive
Compact Fuller's pub with a very narrow frontage and a narrow rectangular bar that gets quite dark towards the back. Refurbished inside with the expected mix of the traditional and modern. Large projector screen for major sporting events such as Wimbledon. Also has some patio tables out on the pavement. Three of five hand pumps in operation with Pride (£4.05), Seafarers and ESB on offer.
On 5th July 2015
- rating: 7
[User has posted 8117 recommendations about 8117 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Nick Johnstone left this review about The Beehive
Small high street pub. Friendly barmaid but not much else to report. I walked here from Clapham Junction but rather wished I hadn't.
On 19th March 2012
- rating: 5
[User has posted 98 recommendations about 98 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Pub SignMan left this review about The Beehive
My visit to this small Fullers pub happily coincided with a small beer festival they had put on. So as well as the usual Fuller's suspects on offer at the bar, I was also able to try some well kept festival ales such as Titanic Stout, Elgood's Black Dog Mild, Nottingham Dreadnought, Castle Rock Harvest Pale, Hop Back Summer Lightning, Bateman's GHA, Oakham JHB and Everard's Tiger, each priced at £2.20. There were also four real ciders on offer as well, which seemed to be popular with the locals. The ales I tried were all in good condition and the festival seemed well organised, even if there weren't too many punters trying out what was on offer.
The pub itself is a simple, single room layout with the bar running down one side and seating along the opposite wall and in the front and rear areas as well. There were plenty of stools along the bar, most of which were occupied by a cheerful bunch of locals. The room has a bit of character, thanks to some exposed beams and a nice bar area. Old pump clips line the wall behind the bar, suggesting that guests do make an appearance even when the festival is over. Some large potted plants and a selection of old photos of the pub enhanced the décor, whilst two large TV screens (one showing rugby league and one turned off) were available to provide sporting distractions.
I certainly enjoyed my time here, and although it is difficult to gauge what the pub would be like on a normal day, the friendly staff and relaxed atmosphere means I would probably be inclined to return again.
On 24th September 2010
- rating: 7
[User has posted 3114 recommendations about 3114 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Malden man left this review about The Beehive
As stated below, 4 pumps but just Pride and ESB on. I opted for the ESB which was served in a proper marked stemmed glass and was well kept.
I'm not too sure about the lightly coloured wooden tables, I certainly prefer dark wood but despite this it is not an unpleasant spot. A single room with the bar to one side, exposed black timber ceiling beams (which I'm sure are decorative not functional), reddish wainscotted walls, pictures, mirrors etc. A collection of dictionaries, film guides, music reference books and the GBG are available, I assume to settle a few discussions.
Two tables outside have limited appeal facing the road and traffic. Food looked honest basic fare at good value, eg sandwiches £2.95, all day breakfast £5.50, spag bol £4.50.
I'm not sure if the music came from the jukebox or some 1972 K-tel album; "I'dLike to Teach the World to Sing" came on at one point!
In all a no frills honest boozer.
On 25th March 2009
- rating: 6
[User has posted 1708 recommendations about 1681 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Rex Rattus left this review about The Beehive
This is a Fuller's pub, but with only Pride and ESB on. I had the Pride, which was OK. This is a small one-room pub on the main road. There are a few stools round the bar, and the remaining furniture consists of the sort of tables and chairs you might find in an upmarket caff. That's not a criticism, just an observation. The walls are adorned with old photographs of Wandsworth, and prints of old London. There are a couple of ficus benjaminii in large pots, but centre stage is occupied by what looks like an antique, or perhaps art deco, jukebox. It was pretty quiet on a Wednesday lunchtime with only a couple of regulars in, and with only (what I assumed to be) the landlord serving he had to go and make the sandwich I ordered himself leaving the bar unattended. It seems to be that sort of place. All things considered, it's a decent enough simple little pub that I would be happy to visit again.
On 18th March 2009
- rating: 7
[User has posted 2606 recommendations about 2520 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
john mcgraw left this review about The Beehive
Nice old fashioned Fuller's pub which also looks if it does guest beers as well.Usual range of Fuller's beers which were in good condition.
On 23rd February 2009
- rating: 8
[User has posted 2044 recommendations about 2025 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Steve C left this review about The Beehive
This is far from your run-of-the-mill Fullers pub, but it serves its purpose well and the barman that I met was very hospitable. There are four ale pumps, two of which were serving up Pride and the other two ESB. There are also a few standard lagers etc. to choose from.
There is a plasma screen on the back wall and another TV above the front door.
This is a great place for a few beers, but I'm not sure I would want to stay all evening.
On 10th February 2009
- rating: 6
[User has posted 5254 recommendations about 5222 pubs]