The Avalon, SW12

Tris C left this review about The Avalon

This was once a coaching inn called the George, supposedly the oldest pub in the area which I can well believe, but I suspect the current erection dates from the 1930s.
There’s a large interior, the rear laid for dining, with a lacquered floor, traditional wooden bar back with white tiled infill, nice field panelled bar front also probably original. There’s a white coffered ceiling, walls covered with weird ‘Renaissance’-style wallpaper, possibly depicting allegorical figures, otherwise more white tiles, slightly industrial lighting with a small and unobtrusive TV showing silent football. Furniture comprises old school tables and similar chairs, with dark studded banquettes; customers were older professional locals and a decent soundtrack played, though no Roxy Music.
A cask lineup, thankfully devoid of Young’s fare usually found in these climes, with an unused pump then Otter and Landlord, £2.90 a half, in decent nick and served by a friendly barman.
This isn’t a bad place, perhaps one to include on a crawl rather than somewhere to linger as you wend your way to the Balham Bowls Club.

On 31^st March 2024 - rating: 5
[User has posted 1985 recommendations about 1951 pubs]