Halfway House, Earlsfield  

Whenever we hear about another Young's pub undergoing a refurb, a shiver goes down our spine, as some of their recent attempts have left us cold. The Halfway House is the latest decent local to receive the Wells & Young's treatment, having taken a trip down trendy lane to lure the newer, younger Earlfieldians - it seems older regulars aren't bringing in the money anymore. It's nice enough though, with a mish mash of newly upholstered antique-looking furniture mixed with 'funky' couches and 'cool' pictures on the wall. Various music events bring some much needed entertainment to this corner of Southwest London and overall it's a very nice place to spend an evening. Trouble is, it's a little too nice and there's a rather contrived chumminess to proceedings; the wine list is vaguely embarrassing, while describing food as 'grazing' is an unfortunate phrase which makes everyone seem like metaphorical cattle. Sure, they've got their target demographic squarely sussed, but two bog-standard ales, £3.20 for Fosters and no wine under £13 is all a bit of a joke at their expense; it's only zone 3, SW18, after all. A three pint experience perhaps, but the prices and overall execution drop it to a two.

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