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The Cavendish Arms, South Lambeth, SW8
SW8
SW8 2HH
Reviews (Current Rating Average: 6 of 10) see review guidelines
Tris C left this review about The Cavendish Arms
This is a mid-19th century pub that was rebuilt for some reason in the ‘60s, essentially to serve the surrounding estate; in every other respect though, it couldn’t be more different from your typical estate local.
The interior appears to have gone full-on bonkers since Rex’s review (see photos), with kilims, kitsch, gaudy sofas, a papier-mâché shark hanging from the ceiling, the hedonistic whole looking like a cross between Joan Collins’ boudoir and a gypsy fortune-teller’s caravan, with young bohemian professional local customers blending in well with their rococo habitat.
One solitary pump next to an LGBTQ+ flag was dispensing Mad Goose at £2.50 a half, though a bit tired, served by a friendly barman.
A fun place and despite the lack of pump clips all over the walls, the beer here – I finished my half – and overall experience is better than the Priory next door.
On 19th August 2023
- rating: 6
[User has posted 1983 recommendations about 1949 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Philip Carter left this review about Cavendish Arms
Update to my previous review. The Cavendish Arms is now having a market every 2nd Saturday of the month. Stalls in the front garden and in the ballroom. Real ale on sale now. Update on my update, should have done this earlier, market no more.
On 2nd March 2020
- rating: 7
[User has posted 757 recommendations about 720 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Rex Rattus left this review about Cavendish Arms
There was just one handpump on the bar counter - it had a sparkler on the nozzle, but unforunately there was no cask attached to it. The usual fizzy stuff was available, as well as Red Strip and Tiger lager (£2.05 a half). I didn't see any sign of menus or food on Thursday evening, but I did spot a table at the end of the bar bearing condiments, so they must do food at some times.
This post-war pub seems to comprise two separate rooms. The room on the left - the "Back Room" seems to be used for live entertainment, but it didn't seem to be open when I visited on Thursday. The room on the right might be best described as the saloon or lounge bar. It has a well worn carpet, is furnished with a gang of sofas and armchairs taking up the middle of the floor, with some banquettes and normal tables and chairs round the edges. There were little tea lights on the tables, some books and prints on a ledge by the windows, and a chalkboard on a pillar just inside the door provides a "Welcome to the Cav".
This is a very "red" pub, with the carpet, walls, sofas, and ceiling above the severy all this colour. There are a few benches in an enclosed area at the front. This is actually quite a warm and friendly pub - at least it seemed that way when I visited, although there were only a couple of others in there. A decent ale would be a massive plus though. I got the impression that the handpump does get some use, so maybe I was just unlucky.
On 23rd November 2014
- rating: 5
[User has posted 2606 recommendations about 2520 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Philip Carter left this review about Cavendish Arms
Has had a refit. Still no real ale. No seating at the bar. Quote from their business card. 'A comfortable & welcoming pub with a beautiful flowering garden & an intimate classy live music venue. Hosting live music, stand-up comedy & cinema Sunday in our glamorous Ballroom music venue. Plus pub quiz, comfy sofas, separate lounge bar, friendly staff, eclectic mix of background music, gourmet pies & mash and an accoustic open mic night'
On 15th October 2007
- rating: 8
[User has posted 757 recommendations about 720 pubs]