Joiners Arms, Elmers End  

Halfway between Croydon and Norwood Junction and shrouded in flower baskets, the Joiner's Arms catches the eye from the 197 bus, and is well worth getting off to visit. Inside, it boasts a surprising array of paraphernalia, including a suit of armour and a case of stuffed pheasants, as well as the obligatory rows of tankards dangling from the ceiling. The pub is very cosy, and puts one in mind of Dickensian bowls of punch and pipe-smoking. Drinkers tend to know each other, and quietly mull their pints while grumbling about the football. Speckled Hen and Pride were on tap when we visited, both suitable beverages for this purpose. Entertainments are of the traditional cheap 'n' cheerful pub variety - several screens show sport fairly indiscriminately (show-jumping, for instance), and there is karaoke on some Fridays and Saturdays. In summary, a pub of excellent tone with some very weird decor.

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