Oldest pub in town; haunted; likely the rest spot to which Sutton's one and only namecheck in Shakespeare refers.... what's not to like?
Well, inevitably, it's a shadow of its former self following an extensive rennovention to make the site into a more practical, open-plan unit (its original two bars were formerly split by a centuries-old and literal carriageway). That said, the refurb was broadly sympathetically done, with glazing rather than a roof now over the paved strip on which horses once trod - and there's no getting away from it, the move to effectively double the available space has seen a boost in customers.
But despite the impact on the site's fundamental character, it remains, even with a decent food menu and live music, a drinker's pub; attracting regulars who remember the good old days, a post-work crowd from neighbouring sites on High Street and those looking for nightlife a bit more cheerful than spit and sawdust or endlessly replicated chain banality. Its on-the-edge-of-town location is another appeal for those who feel their days of rubbing shoulders with teens on alcopops are behind them.
Just don't expect it to work as a venue for sporting events. The TVs aren't particularly tiny, but there are no natural viewing sweet spots - a shame as this used to be one of the pub's biggest draws. But never mind the quality, feel history's width... read more