Through the Gateway to the South
Pubs down the Northern Line from Balham to Morden
PUBS IN SW19(S) SOUTH WIMBLEDON, MERTON and COLLIERS WOOD
For pubs in Wimbledon Hill, Wimbledon Village and Wimbledon Common see our SW19(N) page.
This printout of the online version of Through the Gateway to the South has been updated by information reported up to June 2010. To buy the printed version of any of our local guides go to the CAMRA on-line shop at http://shop.camra.org.uk/
Eventually we will have all the pubs in our area available on-line via the very useful www.whatpub.org website. We intend this to be the most up-to-date pubs listing available for South West London pubs.
For now we now have UPDATED on-line versions of the three earliest publications available on this website. Either use the Pubs drop down menu at the top of any page for direct links to the on-line pubs lists or click the links below for a list of the pubs in the relevant postcode area:
If you spot any errors or omissions in our listings please contact our Pubs Officer, Geoff Strawbridge geoff.strawbridge@camraswl.org.uk, with the details.
TRANSPORT
Stations:
LU - Colliers Wood, South Wimbledon (Northern); Wimbledon (District)
NR - Wimbledon, Haydons Road, Wimbledon Chase
Tramlink - Dundonald Road, Merton Park, Morden Road (info)
Access is easy by Underground, bus, tram or National Rail. Use the TfL Journey Planner to find your way.
HISTORY
SW19 is made up of several contrasting areas. This guide covers those areas to the south of the main railway line from Waterloo. From the main station, the Broadway leads us to Merton, famous as the home of Lord Nelson and Lady Hamilton, and Colliers Wood. The River Wandle forms the border between Merton and Colliers Wood and was famous for its industry. Alongside runs the Wandle trail.
William Morris had his works near to where the Sainsbury’s Savacentre now stands and he is commemorated in the name of the pub at the restored Liberty works a little upstream. Close by in a subway can be seen part of the remains of Merton Abbey founded by Gilbert the Norman in 1114. Wimbledon/Merton/Colliers Wood provides some good locals, many recently refurbished.
Pubs of Merton (Past & Present), by Clive Whichelow, published in 2003 @ £3.95, is gratefully acknowledged as the source of some of the information included here.
PUBS
Pubs are listed in alphabetical order.
Facilities are coded under each real ale pub entry:
NR/LU/TL - Rail, tube or tram station within 1/2 mile:
AC - Accommodation
CP - Own car park:
DF - Disabled access + WC
FA - Children welcome:
GD - Garden or outdoor drinking area
SN - Snacks (sandwiches, pies etc):
ML - Lunchtime meals
ME - Evening meals:
RS - Restaurant
FR - Function room:
PB - Separate public bar
PG - Traditional pub games:
QP - Quiet pub
RI - Regional Inventory:
LocAle - CAMRA LocAle Accredited
ANTOINETTE HOTEL
249-263 The Broadway
SW19 1SD
Free
No real ale
Formerly Way Inn (Wayfairer Hotel)
BAR SIA
105-109 The Broadway
SW19 1QG
Punch
No real ale
Formerly JJ’s Bar Café
BLUE
222 High Street, Colliers Wood
SW19 2BH
Free
CLOSED
Remains shut since flood damage in July 2007. Formerly Baobab, previously Riverside and originally Royal Six Bells
COLLIERS TUP
198 High Street, Colliers Wood
SW19 2BH
Tel: 07880 748448 Website: www.thecollierstup.co.uk/
12.00 - 23.00 Mon - Thu, 12.00 - 00.00 Fri, 12.00 - 01.00 Sat, 12.00 - 22.30 Sun
New Pub Co.
Adnams Broadside; Sharps Doombar; Wells Bombardier; guest beer
Victorian frontage belies a light, airy pub with pine tables. ‘SW19’s Premier Rugby pub’ with many screens showing games from around the world broadcast on Sky and ESPN. Also shows some other sporting events. Music alternative Fridays at present. Party zones for hire, as can barbecues (with all the necessary for £10 - bring your own food) held in the pleasant garden at the rear - shame about the pylon! Saturday and Sunday lunches (with a plan to extend to weekdays). The guest beer changes monthly. Refurbished in 2005 when its original name, the Victory, with the sign portraying Nelson’s flagship, was sadly abandoned just before the Trafalgar bicentenary
LU(Colliers Wood)
CP GD ME
EDWARDS
8 Hartfield Road
SW19 1AE
Punch
No real ale
GJ’S
62 High Street, Colliers Wood
SW19 2BY
Orchid
No real ale
Formerly Red Lion.
GROVE TAVERN
2 Morden Road
SW19 3BH
Free
No real ale
Renamed Doyle’s for a while
HENRY J BEANS
153-163 The Broadway
SW19 1NE
Hartford (Henry J Beans)
No real ale
Formerly The (Bar Café)
HORSE & GROOM
143-145 Haydons Road
SW19 1AN
Enterprise
No real ale
HOUSE BAR
141 The Broadway
SW19 1QJ
Orchid
No real ale
Now a South African cocktail bar with keg lagers. Formerly Broadway & Dragon, Drift, Jim Thompson’s Flaming Wok, originally Broadway Tavern
KILKENNY TAVERN
131 Merton High Street
SW19 1DE
Enterprise
No real ale
Formerly Horse & Groom, (and prior to that the Bricklayers’ Arms until 1882) and officially known by its nickname the Dark House from 1984 until 1994, reverting to its original name until 1997.
KISS ME HARDY
Unit 5, Priory Retail Park, 131 High Street, Colliers Wood
SW19 2PP
Punch (Spirit)
No real ale
LEATHER BOTTLE
277 Kingston Road
SW19 3NW
Tel: 020-8542 7490
11.00 - 23.00 Mon - Wed, 11.00 - 23.30 Thu, 11.00 - 00.00 Fri, 12.00 - 22.30 Sun
Punch (Spirit - ‘John Barras’)
Caledonian Deuchars IPA; Fuller’s London Pride; Greene King Old Speckled Hen
Large one bar pub with various distinct areas. The current building dates from 1897 although it is understood a pub of the same name stood in what is now the pub car park from the early 18th century. Restrained decor and variety of seating helps makes for a welcoming atmosphere. Children welcome to 19.00. Guest beer changes weekly, usually from an independent brewery. Occasionally a second guest can replace London Pride. Food 12.00-20.30 (21.30 Thu) with two for one offer on main meals 15.00-20.30 Mon & Thu (not Bank Holidays). Sky TV, quiz Thursday, karaoke Friday and music some Saturdays. Pool and darts. It was the Old Leather Bottle for a time.
NR(Wimbledon Chase) TL(Merton Park) Buses 152, 163, 164 and K5.
CP DF FA GD SN ML ME PG
MARIMBA
190 Merton High Street
SW19 1AX
Free
CLOSED
Formerly Piano Lounge
MARQUIS OF LORNE
117 Haydons Road
SW19 1HH
Free
CLOSED
licence withdrawn
NELSON ARMS
15 Merton High Street
SW19 1DF
020-3132 4590 Website: www.thenelson.co.uk
12.00 - 22.30 Sun - Wed, 12.00 - 00.00 Thu, 12.00 - 00.00 or later Fri & Sat
Punch
Caledonian Deuchers IPA; Wychwood Hobgoblin
The extraordinary full Charrington tiling and series of murals by Garters of Poole, depicting Lord Nelson and HMS Victory on the exterior of this pub make it a local landmark and the most iconic building on Merton High Street. Functional interior with L-shaped area round the large bar, with main area with wooden floor, which includes a small stage area and a dartboard, furnished with tables sofas and chairs. To one side of the bar is a raised comfortably furnished carpeted area, which can be booked for functions. Note the ‘Warhol’ style pictures of Nelson and the spherical chandelier. Sky and ESPN sports, with facilities to show two different sports at once - there is also a screen in the garden. The garden is a reasonably sized paved area at the rear and includes a heated, covered smoking area. Semi-professional quality music at open mike night on Thursday. Occasional live bands - check website. Quiz nights alternate Tuesdays - see website. Children welcome to 20.00. Free WiFi. Food available 12.00 - 22.00 Mon - Sat, 12.00 - 20.00 Sun.
LU (South Wimbledon)
DF FA GD PG
O’NEILLS
66 The Broadway
SW19 1RQ
Mitchells & Butlers
No real ale
PRINCE OF WALES
2 Hartfield Road
SW19 3TA
Tel: 020-8946 5369
12.00 - 23.00 Mon - Thu, 12.00 - 00.00 Fri & Sat, 12.00 - 22.30 Sun
Punch (Spirit - ‘T&J Bernard’)
Adnams Broadside; Fuller’s London Pride; Greene King IPA; Theakston Old Peculier; Young’s Bitter; guest beer
Victorian town centre pub, built during the early years of the railway in Wimbledon, with a large single bar and a raised non-smoking area to the rear, though you have to pass through the main bar to get there. "Bertie’s" wine bar downstairs. With its prominent position opposite the station and the Centre Court shopping mall, this pub can become crowded during the early evening and is busy all day. One or two guest beers, changing weekly.
NR/LU/TL(Wimbledon)
SN ME ML
PRINCE OF WALES
336 Western Road, Colliers Wood
SW19 2QA
Wellington Pub Co
CLOSED
Boarded up - Future uncertain
PRINCE OF WALES
98 Morden Road
SW19 3BP
Tel: 020-8542 0573 Website: www.powmerton.co.uk
11.00 - 23.00 Mon - Thu, 11.00 - 00.00 Fri, 11.00 - 23.00 Sat, 12.00 - 23.00 Sun
Young
Young’s Bitter, Special, Seasonal or Guest Beer - RAiB: Bitter, Kew Gold, Special London Ale
Recently reverted to original name after sympathetic refurbishment aiming to capture some of the atmosphere of the past. A one-bar pub with three fairly distinct areas, carpeted throughout with a variety of seating. The pub itself dates from around mid 19th century and has evolved over the years. Garden with covered area (suitable for smokers) and pool table. Guest beer from the Young’s list, Food 12.00—15.00, 18.00—21.00 Tues to Sat, 12.00—17.00 Sun. Children allowed to 20.30. Was the Princess of Wales, 1997 to 2010. Wi-Fi. Home to the Young’s cricket team who play on the nearby Abbey Recreation Ground.
LU(South Wimbledon) TL(Morden Road)
CP CF GD ML ME PG
PRINCESS ROYAL
25 Abbey Road, Merton
SW19 2LZ
Tel: 020-8542 3273
11.00 - 23.30 Mon - Fri, 11.00 - 00.30 Sat, 12.00 - 22.30 Sun
Enterprise
Greene King IPA
Compact early 19th century corner house, sensitively preserved and including rare example of a public bar, which has a dartboard and a collection of sports shirts. Comfortable saloon bar; note the copy of the 1859 lease and pictures of film stars. Children welcome in bar to 19.30. Large enclosed beer garden with gazebo type shelter and heaters. Food 12.00 - 15.00 Mon to Fri. Sky Sports.
LU(South Wimbledon)
FA GD ML PB PG
REHAB
186A High Street, Colliers Wood
SW19 2BN
Free
No real ale
Formerly Gazpacho
ROYAL STANDARD
180 High Street, Colliers Wood
SW19 2BN
Greene King
No real ale
SLUG & LETTUCE
16-26 Hartfield Road
SW19 3TA
Tel: 020-8947 1791
10.00 - 23.00 Mon - Thu, 10.00 - 00.00 Fri & Sat, 10.00 - 22.30 Sun
Laurel
Wells Bombardier
Formerly RSVP, originally Yates’s Wine Lodge
NR/LU/TL(Wimbledon)
SN ME ML
SULTAN
78 Norman Road
SW19 1BT
Tel: 020-8542 4532
12.00 - 23.00 Mon - Thu, 12.00 - 00.00 Fri & Sat, 12.00 - 23.00 Sun
Hop Back
Hop Back GFB, Entire Stout, Summer Lightning; Weekly seasonal beer or guest beer, usually from Downton - RAiB: Summer Lightning, Crop Circle, Entire Stout; Downton Dark Delight, IPA
Hop Back’s only tied house in London (since 1994; Taylor Walker had previously run it down). An attractive two-bar 1950s brick building built to replace original demolished during the war. Large tables encourage conversation among customers. Beer Club on Wednesday when cask beers are discounted between 18.00 and 21.00. Quiz night Tuesday. A beer festival is held over a weekend in September or early October. Dartboard. In 2004 received Time Out’s Eating and Drinking Best Pub award. It is also a past winner of the CAMRA London Regional Pub of the Year award and has also been voted CAMRA South West London Branch Pub of the Year on a number of occasions.
LU(Colliers Wood or South Wimbledon)
DF GD PB PG
TERRACE BAR
Centre Court Shopping Centre, Queens Road
SW19 8YA
Free
No real ale
Formerly Footlights
THREE WAYS BAR
175 Kingston Road
SW19 1LH
Tel: 020 8540 8811
Free
No real ale
Formerly Hideaway, Wilkies, originally Jaspers
TRAFALGAR
23 High Path
SW19 2JY
Tel: 020-8542 5342; Website: www.thetraf.com
15.00 - 23.00 Mon - Thu, 12.00 - 23.00 Fri - Sun
Free
Pilgrim Thru'penny Hop Bitter (brewed exclusively for the pub); four or five guest beers; Westons 1st Quality draught cider. Guests change constantly and are often from small breweries such as Dark Star (Hophead is a regular), Downton and Sharps. Also a changing selection of milds during May - RAiB: Range varies.
Small friendly one-bar street corner house with two distinct areas. Much Nelson memorabilia and real fire. The main part of the pub dates from 1860s with the extension from 1906. Historically it had the nickname of the ‘Threepenny Hop’ as it was said that men would occasionally hop over the fence from the now disused Merton Abbey railway line for a threepenny pint. Good value themed food night usually second Thursday of the month (see website <www.thetraf.com> for details). Quiz nights as advertised and TV has both Sky Sports and Setanta in HD. Trafalgar Day on 21st October is enthusiastically commemorated. Runs a darts team and cricket team, which raises money for the local hospital and schools. The ‘garden’ is a small seating area. The Traf was the 2008 Winner of the CAMRA London Regional Pub of the Year award and was also the 2007 South West London CAMRA Pub of the year.
LU(South Wimbledon) TL(Morden Road)
GD SN ML PG LocAle
TYCOON BAR
Phoenix Hotel, 123-125 Merton Road
SW19 1ED
Tel: 020 8542 0826; Website the-phoenix-hotel.co.uk
Free
No real ale
VENUS BAR & BRASSERIE
12-14 Christchurch Road
SW19 2NX
Tel: 020 8542 0222; Website: venusbarandbrasserie.co.uk
Free
No real ale
WALKABOUT
74-78 The Broadway
SW19 1RQ
Regent Inns
No real ale
Formerly Chumleys
WHITE HART
144 Kingston Road
SW19 1LY
11.00 - 23.00 Mon - Thu, 11.00 - 00.00 Fri & Sat, 12.00 - 23.00 Sun
Free
No Real Ale - Handpump unused
Light and airy: light wooden floor boards and painted walls; high tables with bar stools and settees. Sky sports on big screens. Pool table. Occasional live music Fri/Sat. Was Bodhran Barneys for a while.
WIBBAS DOWN INN
6-12 Gladstone Road
SW19 1QT
Tel: 020-8540 6788
09.00 - 00.00 Sun - Thu, 09.00 - 01.00 Fri & Sat
Wetherspoon
Courage Directors; Fuller’s London Pride; Theakston Old Peculier; guest beers; Weston’s Old Rosie Scrumpy and Organic Vintage Cider
An enormous two bar pub stretching all the way back from Gladstone Road opposite the bus station to Russell Road, this was converted in 1995 from a Tesco supermarket. Popular with all types due to its low prices, it is often used at the weekend for pre-clubbing groups of young people (if they can get past the doormen). The bar at the back is handy for Wimbledon Theatre interval drinks. Reputed to have wireless Internet access if you want that sort of thing with your beer. Four or five guest beers, changing frequently; beer festivals twice a year, usually around St George’s Day and Halloween. Food is relatively cheap and coffee is also available all day.
NR/LU/TL(Wimbledon)
DF FA GD SN ML ME QP
WILLIAM MORRIS
20 Watermill Way, Merton Abbey Mills (off Merantun Way)
SW19 2RD
Tel: 020-8540 0216
12.00 - 23.00 Mon - Thu, 12.00 - 00.00 Fri, 11.00 - 00.00 Sat, 12.00 - 22.30 Sun
Faucet Inns
Adnam’s Broadside; Thwaites Lancaster Bomber, guest beer.
Guest beer from e.g. Adnam’s or Westerham. Opened by Regent Inns in 1990 and owned until recently by Broken Foot. An imaginative conversion of the block-house of the former Liberty print works a quarter mile upstream on the Wandle from the former William Morris works, this pub can be quiet midweek but caters for customers of the nearby art and craft market at weekends. A large central bar with separate food area. Food 12.00 to 21.00. Extra seating in upstairs bar available for private functions and, in summer, on first floor balcony or by the riverside. Quiz night Wednesday. Children welcome to 21.00. Dogs welcome on terrace only.
LU(Colliers Wood)
DF FA SN ML ME FR
This guide is published by the South West London Branch of CAMRA and copyright and all other rights are reserved to the Campaign for Real Ale Ltd (2006-2009). No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form, by any means - electronic, photocopying, recording or otherwise - without the prior permission of the Campaign for Real Ale Ltd.
