Fentiman Arms, Vauxhall  

Stepping out from Vauxhall station into the grim urban chaos which greets you, you'd never think you were only ten minutes or so walk from a smart gastropub. Though once you start passing the large Victorian houses of Fentiman Street you realise Geronimo Inns did their homework and that there are enough local takers for their brand of loungey pub-bars. Even the most hard-bitten fan of the traditional pub experience has to admit that this place does what it does effectively (you sense there's as much thought been put into the décor as into the food and drink). A few real ales the hand pumps (Deuchars, Bombardier, Tribute and Greene King IPA) though most of the clientele were opting for wine to accompany their modern pub grub choices. The service is excellent and all -in-all it's a pretty relaxed place. The split-level beer garden is a handy feature for smokers and warmer days, even if the use of decking makes you wonder if Titchmarsh and Dimmock have just passed by. It's all very nice, very tidy - very Geronimo Inns.