Bars & Pubs

A drab and soulless exterior does this Putney Common boozer a disservice – inside is far more lively and welcoming. The big open-plan room curves around three sides of the central bar, and offers a mix of seating at wooden tables and leather sofas. The decor’s a bit more bright and shiny than the gastropub norm, but none the worse for it. A daily-changing menu offers a selection of solidly British recipes and ingredients. To start, a bowl of cauliflower soup was simple and unadorned yet smoothly satisfying. Macaroni cheese also went down well, but was a bit half-hearted as it used penne, and hadn’t been baked (so just pasta with a cheese sauce, really). Mains were also fine: a whole roast sea bass with roast tomato and salsa verde; a hunk of pork belly atop a slice of good black pudding and shredded cabbage. Desserts might be crème caramel with rum raisins, or rice pudding with roast plums. Beer and wine lovers are equally well catered for; draught ales include London Pride and Adnams Broadside, while the diligent wine list has a superb choice by the glass. A perfect place to end up after a Sunday stroll by the river.

Time Out Eating & Drinking Guide 2009