The Leigham Arms, Streatham  

A country pub somehow dropped into the south London sprawl, the Leigham Arms is a delight. The trio of small inter-linked rooms served by a single bar manage to create the atmosphere of public, snug and lounge. Public, with big(ish) Sky TV and fruit machines; basic snug where the local good old boys put the world to rights and the simple lounge where you could take your mother, your son or your bank manager equally comfortably. Upholstered benches run round the perimeter with a smattering of tables where overflow good old boys can debate or a single female office worker can enjoy a quiet lunch and drink. We'd made The Leigham Arms a four-pinter in the past but currently the well-worn is edging towards the could-do-with-a-polish-and-a-lick-of-paint so we're pegging her now at a solid three pinter. Pride was the only thing on the pumps when we were in last, and it was off. Still, we made do with a nice pint of Guinness. Careful when you leave, though - it can be a shock to step out into the local traffic - no pavement at the side door - to find yourself back in inner London.

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