Railway Bell, Norwood  

Halfway down one of the slopes of Sydenham Hill and boasting a first-rate view of the TV transmitter, you will find The Railway Bell. It certainly lives up to its name; there are pictures, books, and models of locomotives ornamenting most available surfaces. Also a fish-tank. Aside from the train theme, this is a cosy Young's pub of the traditional local variety, including the beer which is up to their usual standards. It isn't massive, and has a slightly unusual shape around the bar, but there is plenty of seating to cope with quieter periods. On a previous visit, we found this one very crowded (and had a lengthy wait for our Sunday lunch) but this time round we found it more amenable. Despite being down a steep hill and sometimes busy, it's still probably the best bet for a quality pint near the centre of Crystal Palace.

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