please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Tried this place as had heard it was something of a hidden gem. Good location, well kept beer and a lovely garden. Shame about the miserable barmaid who was downright rude... couldn't fault the place otherwise so a real pity about the surly reception
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The seasonal Winter Warmer is now on at £3.35 which at 5% is reasonably priced. The taste is a little substandard on former years , it is a dark ale with a reddish hue but it is rather sugary sweet, most years the Brewer tinkers with the recipe on later brews which hopefully he will do this time. The timespan for Winter Warmer is shorter than it was when Youngs brewed at Wandsworth it is now approximately mid November until early February.
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A traditional if slightly unfriendly boozer. Good youngs beer but very pricey. Nice rear garden for smoking. I personally think the spreadeagle is the best bar in the centre of croydon although yet again not exactly welcoming to strangers.
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A Beer Festival on Wednesday to celebrate 180 years of Young's, £1.80 a pint between 18:31 and 20:11.
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OMG I'm agreeing with The Slerp.........must go for a lay down!!
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I must agree Stonecoat....but atleast this listed pub is still standing,which is very important.
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IT IS JUST TOO EXPENSIVE!! And for what? Nice garden..................
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I'm not a fan of Youngs beer but after reading the good reviews on here i decided to visit this pub as i was in the area. I bought a pint of special bitter, the price £3.20 which i thought was ridiculous. There were ten customers in the pub, all ignored me. I tried talking to two of them but it was obvious they didn't want to know. The pub is smaller than i expected and the beer was ok but i won't be returning. Another bad thing was someone put a song on the jukebox that sounded like an African war dance, suitable for the area which seems to have more Africans than English.
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I'm not a fan of Youngs beer but after reading the good reviews on here i decided to visit this pub as i was in the area. I bought a pint of special bitter, the price £3.20 which i thought was ridiculous. There were ten customers in the pub, all ignored me. I tried talking to two of them but it was obvious they didn't want to know. The pub is smaller than i expected and the beer was ok but i won't be returning. Another bad thing was someone put a song on the jukebox that sounded like an African war dance, suitable for the area which seems to have more Africans than English.
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on a sunny lunchtime it all comes down to whether they have the back bar open. If it's not open and the sun is out the you'll spend most of your sunny afternoon queuing at the bar. If it is open then it's a great outdoor drinking pub with perfectly kept Young's beer.
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This is one of the old pubs of Croydon ,nice pint of youngs service was not two quick but we did get a drink in the end.
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Have recently revisited and although previous visits have been good. I believe they have a new chef as the food was supurb traditional pub food presented brilliantly. Beer is always good here in my opinion the best pint in croydon. BBq weather soon can not wait to sit outside and enjoy a burger and a pint in my favourite garden.
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Was a good old pub - but seemingly has newish management. Went in on Sunday and was served very mediocre beer by a middle-aged barmaid who would have preferred to be elsewhere.
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Trad pub with Youngs beers on tap - unsure about the Winter Warmer which had a 'rubbery' sort of taste - don't think that should be there? Usually has a guest ale which was absent when we arrived.
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An historic listed building, I found the windows were rather amazingly detailed. Actually all along Croydon you can see interesting buildings reflecting a bygone age behind the facades of 21st century retail britian. Only had Young's beers on as the 'guest' beer was sold out, the Winter Warmer was well kept and the staff very friendly, the jukebox was well used playing the sort of decent music that I grew up to in the late 70s, early 80s
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I popped in here a few days ago eagerly looking forward to my first sample of the new batch of Winter Warmer, it was in stock but it was upon tasting just an ordinary very dark ale,hardly worth slipping on rotten cabbages to seek out but in very good condition as are all the beer here of late.This pub is owned by Wells &Youngs and regularly stock a couple of welcome guest ales such as Butcombe or Deuchars Caledonian which are chalked up on a blackboard,the Winter warmer was also listed as a guest??? How can a tied house list one of their own ales as a guest, Fullers also do this and I personally think that this is a sly,deceptive and unnecessary practice,are they really that ashamed of their own brewing efforts?The service was rather "can't be asked" by a girl/boy with a ponytail who found Three P.M. far too early and who really wanted to be elsewhere.
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Nice and warm in here tonight - nothing worse than a chilly bar. Very well-kept ales here. A pleasant session all round.
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Last night the Dog'n Bull had two guest ales which were Dorking # One and Butcombe Bitter.the Dorking had just gone on,both were in excellent condition.The front cover of the last London Drinker featured the Armoury in Wandsworth the point being that they had made an unprofitable pub into a profitable one by selling guest ales that were not brewed by Wells&Youngs, it seems as if the lesson has been learnt,provide great ales and they will sell.
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I visited the D&B on Thursday evening and was impressed, so it seems to vary from night to night. The Youngs beer was fine and no more expensive than I'd have expected. The barman really knew his stuff and was efficient and friendly too. I hadn't been to the pub since 1991, and thought it was much better now.
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Not impressed. Went there because of the great garden (best in Croydon by a long way) but completely ruined by loud music blasting out all over the outdoor area (and inside too). The music is relayed from the jukebox which leaves no control over the selections - last night it was heavy metal. It was virtually impossible to have a conversation and any requests to turn it down were met with a token flick of the switch and poor humour.
It's expensive - not worth it when you are given such a poor deal. There seemed to be no empathy at all with the plight of a group who were spending good money and wanting to have a convivial evening.
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We spent a very disappointing evening in the Dog and bull last night. Blaring music made conversation difficult, and the staff refused to turn it down to a more acceptable level despite requests from our group and others. The staff were bolshy and unhelpful with regards to food orders, and when the chef didn't answer the phone to them, we were told they had stopped doing food. All in all a miserable evening, which we won't be repeating.
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Went there last night, and I thought it was a wonderful pub. Great jukebox too. The beer prices aren't too bad for London (the right side of £3.00) , the service fine, the beer well-kept and the company good. Can't really see what Colonelflay's problem is.
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A pub I've used on and off for 20 years whenever I've been in the area (i come on business from Leeds. Contrary to the glowing reviews on here I find the pub has deteriorated in some important ways. The brewery, like all breweries in the south of England, has decided to push bar prices into the realms of racketeering. The beer is shockingly espensive and the service slow.
The price structure has alienated virtually all the market traders, who now drink at the Goose pub up the street. This has damaged the atmosphere of the place: it lacks the bustle and bonhomie of former years. The bar staff are on the slow side. This is not generally noticeble because the price structure has reduced custom, but when the hot weather arrives and the excellent beer garden fills up the bar becomes choked with empties and service ludicrously slow with staff seeminly unable to handle multiple orders as used to be industry standard for barmen.
One staff member was obtuse to the point of rudeness. My instinct tells me that Youngs have tried to make the whole place over as corporate proposition, relying on expense account trade. This will diminish in the coming fiscal turbulence. It is horrendously expensive.
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A proper pub! Echo the positive comments of previous ratings. Friendly welcome, well-kept Young's ales and a decent drinking environment - thanks to staff and a good mix of customers. Well worth a visit.
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The Dog and Bull is an excellent, traditional Youngs pub, situated in the heart of Croydon's Surrey Street Market. It's a Grade 2 listed building.
There's a central island bar surrounded by a mixture of seating and wood panelled walls with an additional drinking area at the back and in an extension on the right, which, although you wouldn't know it, was a later addition to the pub. The walls are decorated with a fine collection of evocative photos of old Croydon. Pleasingly, the framed pictures of the Queen Mother and Prince Charles, which used to be a feature of all Youngs pubs, are still very much in evidence. Splendid stained and frosted windows depicting the eponymous dog and bull are also a feature.
Unusually for central Croydon, there's a large outside sun trap garden at the back where summer BBQ's are held. An upstairs room has been brought into use as a function room, which I don't recollect noticing on earlier visits. There's now a Comedy Night on the first Tuesday of every month.
On my recent visit, beers on were Youngs Special, Ordinary, London Gold plus Hooky Bitter, a guest beer sometimes seen in Youngs pubs nowadays. The Ordinary - £ 2.90p - was reasonable. The pub has been a CAMRA Good Beer Guide regular in recent years.
A recent refurbishment has seen the introduction of some plush seating and banquettes in place of some of the old basic furniture. In contrast to some earlier reviewers, I think that, unusually for Youngs, it is quite tastefully done and is probably a recognition that the pub needed to make more effort to extend its customer base beyond just market traders and customers.
Decent pubs are few and far between in Croydon. This is still one of the ones worth seeking out
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The kew gardens Golden Ale has returned in the guise of London Gold.A very nice drop indeed, the garden here attracted an awful lot of drinkers yesterday.
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Huge PLASMA screen T.V. has been delivered for the garden.
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It has been tidied up since I last visited, but not so much that the atmosphere of the place has been spoiled. I think it's really nice inside now, and the beer was excellent as always. Worth going out of your way for - definitely one of the best traditional pubs in Croydon.
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This is a nice PUB friendly stuff and good service and a good pint of youngs. This is one of the better pubs in croydon i have found so far ???? What kind of STUFF . Freebies??? Is the STUFF inanimate,so how if so can it be friendly? Yours sincerely, super confused!
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This is a nice PUB friendly stuff and good service and a good pint of youngs. This is one of the better pubs in croydon i have found so far.
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Hmmmm Alph River mentioned that he was mightilly impressed with the W.W. So like a good little soldier I thought that I should try the stuff again! Lo and behold it was vastly improved.A rather expensive ale for the area but well worth the effort. I cannot get used to the spick'n span new look of the Dog.
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It is a case of good news and not so good news.W.W. is now on. Slerpy has been a devote of the stuff for thirty -six years.On my first try this does not seem to be a vintage crop! A rather powdery taste accompanied a rather sweet red dark ale, the effect was of a fairly low alcohol ale. Oh well ! there is always next year, unless this was a rogue offering!
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Winter Warmer should make a belated appearance next week.Sadly the season for this fantastic ale is being restricted even further! Last year nearby Free Houses made the unforgivable error of stocking it! It just has to be tried in a tied house!The price will be outlandish but sometimes the price has to be paid.Last year it was really great, I will report next week , fear and trepidation are my watchwords.In passing this traditionally busy pub was rather sparsely populated,without being too judgmental ( sorry guvnor not a pun) it is very different from the wonderful working man's Ale House of my teenage years (be kind do NOT ask).
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The Dog'n Bull has had a makeover, everything is shiny ,slightly 70's disco style fake leather, with an untouched feel, to be honest I felt as if I shouldn't sit down encase I untidied the place! Thirty -six years ago when I used this place as an under aged drinker there was sawdust on the floor ( don't ask!) and its appeal was the lived in look.Please bring back the lived in look, the present look has the conotations of a Harlem pimps dive bar, this is Surrey Street and it really does NOT fit with our market traders who have been grafting selling spuds etc.Wells& Youngs PLEASE get a grip you should be running community locals this property speculation lark has turned your heads.
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I recently stayed in Croydon for a couple of days and this was the best pub I found by a long margin. A 'proper' pub as i call it with the focus on good beer in a welcoming and relaxing environment. Very comfortable seating and everything clean and well maintained. The beer patio at the back is actually about twice the size of the interior of the pub and is really quite exceptional. A really super pub.
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You have to laugh, the Friday that the Dog 'n Bull reopened. The manager was on leave...odd, the stand in manager was not the relief manager, he was the relief for the relief.The way Wells&Youngs treat this flagship boozer is disgusting, I really fear that it wil become part of the Dabner's empire "Europe's biggest petshop".
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I went to Croydon yesterday and was greeted by Bananaman ( stall holder) by bl**dy pub's shut innit! This meant the Dog'n Bull without much doubt, upon further enquiry Slerpy elucidated that it was for refurbishment purposes. Bananaman then told me that Lesley the guvnor had left . Later in the day i was told that the Dog was due to re-open today. As I went by two workmen ( a rather loose term i'm afraid to say) were painting the outside wall with a blurb probably extolling the inner delights to be had.I'm srarting to think that the Dog should have a revolving door just for managers!
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Fantastic Youngs house that is difficult to fault. There was a nice quiet easy going atmosphere when I visited and a friendly vibe from both customers and staff. There is a main bar and small seating areas both to the right and at the back. Look out for the decorative stained glass on the front windows featuring, unsurprisingly, dogs and bulls. The beer was in good condition and the Special was £2.80 which I though was reasonable by comparison. The hidden gem with this place is the beer garden out the back. It should perhaps be termed a beer patio as it is paved rather than grassed however there's plenty of foliage, flowerbed features and plant pots around to give it a garden feel. It's a large area with more than 20 wooden benches, some basking in the sun and others with umbrellas for those who like a bit of shade. It also has a purpose built BBQ area. A great Summer pub.
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I'm sorry to have to say this but since Dave's departure, the service in the D&B has at times fallen rather short of what we have been used to.
I don't think this will threaten the D&B's place at the top of my Croydon pub league just yet but I hope this is not a sign of things to come.
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The Dog 'n Bull are organising a community street party in June, Surrey Street will be closed for this event. stalls will be available to various organisations. the landlady has got off to a running start.
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Believe it or not but beer prices have gone up in the dog ! amazing for a pub that was already one of the more expensive places in Croydon. As a young drinker I respected both Youngs and Fullers for a decent well priced pint, how things change. With the global economy in deflationary mode this is NOT a step in the right direction.
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It's been while since I commented on this, my local when I'm at work as it were, and felt I should update things. Since Lesley took charge in December there certainly have been efforts made to improve the place, which so far have been beneficial without detracting from its character which keeps it in the hearts of so many local drinkers. Food had virtually disappeared from the Dog in recent months, but happily it has been brought back, and with some vengeance: the chef is of Venezuelan extraction apparently, and is rumoured to have previously worked on the Orient Express (presumably as a chef and not as a driver!). The menu sensibly sticks to good solid pub classics (sausage 'n' mash, fish 'n' chips, soup 'n' sarnies etc), but the quality of the ingredients is far better, and I've found each one I've tried to have a definite twist which raises the quality of food here above many of its counterparts. Fortunately they've realized that Thai crab cakes, panini, raspberry jus etc would receive a less-than-enthusiastic response from most punters who do want some grub. Prices are relatively good too.
As for the beer, quality of conditioning so far remains high. The reason for the sudden influx of other brands is because Wells & Young's either have struck a canny deal with the brewer (see Caledonian Deuchars), or now own and brew the brand itself (see Courage Directors). But there's nowt wrong with a spot of variety, even if in the D & B Ordinary will remain king.
Sadly, despite the clear upturn in quality, the efforts of the manageress to broaden the appeal of the pub, and the appreciation shown by punters, trade remains a shadow of what it was pre-Smoking Ban, and whilst hopefully this isn't critical, it is sad that so many (including some old boys who were part of the furniture until recently) have deserted, either pubs altogether, or for a cheaper alternative down the road. We can only hope that gradually things pick up again and as long as we don't have a summer like the last two, in a few months the garden will be packed with diners and drinkers soaking up the sun once more.
There are 2 developments which may yet have some impact on the place, and the jury remains out as to what extent the effects will be felt - 1 is the aforementioned demise of Dave (who by my reckoning had done just over 10 years and was regarded by many as the "real" guv'nor), which I only found out about yesterday. His cellarmanship, and earthy good humour, was excellent, but the beer was fine today and I am confident the lads left have the know-how to maintain casks, and are friendly with punters. The other is a much-talked about refurb, which will necessitate closure for a week or so. I trust they will retain a more traditional feel and won't alienate the loyal customers with some sort of "contemporary" design.
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A bit of bad news here, dave has moved on, it worries me that the beer quality might plummet. they are selling some superb regular guest beers ( NO NOT BOMBARDIER ! ) like Deuchars.
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Sorry , apologies all round, on my pilgrimage to the Dog today I noticed that it is £3.50 for a two pint takeaway container of ordinaire and four quid for anything else 9 two pints in a hopper).Takeaway beer is catching on as the Cricketers in Addiscombe is offering a four pint container with a special pressure valve FULL to the gunnels for only £8.00 , the special container is £2-00 but can be used ad infenitum.
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The Dog'n Bull is selling take away beers in hoppers, the price of two pints of ordinary bitter is £3.75 a much cheaper price than the £2.55 a pint normally charged. Other pubs are catching on to the take away trend.
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An excellent traditional pub situated on Croydon's busy Surrey Street market. The wooden interior is dominated by the island style bar,with a couple of cosy seating areas to the side and rear. Nice frosted windows with picture insets give you a sense of the bustling market outside.
The Young's Ordinary was very nice and they also had Youngs Special and Winter Warmer available. The bar staff have, in my experience, always been friendly, attentive and knowledgeable. The food looked good as well and a quick look at the menu suggestes that they have gone for quality food rather than the cheap and cheerful stuff served up in most of Croydon's other town centre pubs and bars.
The pub also benefits from having the best beer garden in Central Croydon, which boasts an outdoor bar and BBQ for the summer months, although it can get pretty busy in there as a result.
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The food is really good., I tried one of the daily specials the other day and i can only conclude that this pub is turning around very quickly.
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A new landlady already making a mark, the food looks very good.Whilst the W.W. is on worth a visit. 9/10.
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Indeed Slerpy - you were responsible for eight posts here in as many months. The same for the Purley Arms, Crown and Cushion etc. etc.
Don't feel that you HAVE to tell us about your daily Croydon pub crawl, please.
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Oh dear ! Slerpy is responsible for the last four posts oh well ! the good news is Winter Warmer is now available ( i had the first,( thank you Dave !) It was perfection ! The old ruby coloured W.W. has resurfaced! Oh la la !
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On Saturday( I am told) a smallish T.V. was placed on a chair for the football which was on a terrestial channel.
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the T.V. has disappeared, this is rather sad as it was well watched by the regulars.
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Frank has gone, a new lady guvnor has taken his place.The beer is Soooo good in the green Dragon I cannot be asked to forefeit a great pint of Hophead for some Wells 'n' youngs rubbish.
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I cant believe it .... Where has frank the best guvnor gone to ??? I never got to say Good bye , will he back at all ?, the place wont be the same with out him ......
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Frank ( the guvnor ) has retired, a very hard act to follow, I actually thought that I would leave Croydon before him , it will be another eighteen months before I move to the seaside ( can't wait ).10/10 for now.
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Only 9/10 because nothing's perfect, but this is without doubt the best pub in Croydon. Admittedly, there's not much competition but it's very good in it's own right.
This is a proper pub, the emphasis is on beer, it does not allow children (other than in the garden) and since some heath and safety pillock stopped them from serving food because they don't have a dumb waiter, they only do bar snacks.
The bar staff are the most professional I have come across, take a bow Dave, and the beer is always well kept. Young’s Special can be a bit flaky in some pubs but I’ve never had a bad one here.
I only have one query though, since Young's and Wells merged, they serve Bombardier but it looks and tastes just like Young's ordinary. Have the pipes been attached to the wrong barrel I wonder? But I don't really care, while I like Charles Wells beers, give me Young's any day.
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On a hot day the wonderful Garden is the only sensible pub to drink in. Stteped in history this has been a justifiable long term entry in the GBG.
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Proper tradiional boozer, great!!
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Cheap beer was available on St.George's Day. Erm ! only 363 days 'till the next one.
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The best pub in South London, possibly North too. Great beer, masses of character and interesting people.
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Known this pub for 20 years plus. It has been a consistently good pub throughout. Best pub in Croydon.
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The garden is to die for, easily Croydon's best summer pub.My only fear is that the bean counters at Wells@ Youngs will flog it ( they simply don't like pubs) !
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The Dog & Bull retains a timeless charm. It has an effortlessly friendly, relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere.
Not packed on a Wednesday night but doing fairly well.
One of the finest hostelries in the area.
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In 100 years time, when historians are writing a history of great pubs in the early 21st century the Bull and Gate will be the gold standard.
This is a great pub where the priority is beer. But what follows from this is priceless and cannot be gained from any market research or focus group activity. The atmosphere is always warm and enjoyable, the landlord is friendly and the layout of the pub, including the island style bar, contributes to the cosy feeling in this excellent pub.
The Young's beers are still fine and kept very well (Best, Special and seasonal ale)and the prices are very reasonable too.
I've never been here during major sporting events but I can imagine how this cosy pub would generate a great atmosphere.
This is the type of pub you could spend all day in without any hassle - I have done before while drinking winter warmer.
I cannot recommend this pub highly enough - a blueprint for what a pub should be like.
(See the great Roger Protz quote on the posting from John Bonser - says it all really)
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Wonderful market pub; great Youngs and cheap rolls. Friendliest welcome from a landlord in some time. Visit.
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One of the greats. Keep using it, the current Young's management will kill it with ruthless efficiency if you don't.
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Splendidly traditional Youngs pub in Surrey Street market - a Croydon institution.
I visited Sunday lunchtime - felt very quiet indeed without the normal hustle and bustle of the weekday market, but this pub is highly recommended at any time of any day of the week.
As the well known beer writer Roger Protz once wrote - "The day Youngs turn the Dog and Bull into a wine bar called Johnnies is the day I emigrate"
( but then again, knowing the new Youngs, that might not be too far away !)
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I had previously avoided this place as I guessed that it would be a "three heads"-type place (as in the look a stranger gets from the locals when wandering into 'their' pub). However, with a bit of New Years bravado, I ventured in and found it to be a very pleasant, traditional Youngs boozer. Mind you, got a few odd looks, so perhaps a "two heads" establishment...
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Great trad youngs boozer. Good quality beer and the only place I've found Xmas pud ale this winter.
Great place for watching sport as well if you get there in time - atmospheric, knowlegeable and amusingly drunken.
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A refuge from the madness of Christmas shopping. Pop in and have a Winter Warmer.
Remains a charming hostelry.
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A great traditional pub, of which there are too few in Croydon. The Youngs is reasonably good, but have to agree with "terenced" that the quality of Youngs' beers generally has deteriorated slightly since the move to Bedfordshire.
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Youngs is served well here, but the Charles Wells and guest brews are sometimes poorly kept. The inside is old fashioned, and the pub tends to attract a traditional type of customer. The large beer garden is nice. Altogether this is one of Croydon's best pubs.
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Have a waggledance in the beer garden here.
Still a fine pub despite the slight dip in the quality of Youngs beer since the move up the wooden hills to Bedfordshire.
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Nice atmosphere and great beer garden !
anonymous - 3 Jun 2007 09:37 |
The beer garden at this place is huge! Drinks are a bit steep though!
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Had a great evening with a group of friends on Saturday. Although the Youngs was not the cheapest beer in the world, this was more than compensated for by the convivial atmosphere afforded us by friendly locals and a cheerful chirpy landlord the envy of pubs for miles around!
Definitely one of Croydon's better pubs.
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Dark, dirty pub on the inside. Bog standard beers at stupidly expensive prices, as per usual Youngs.
...but... one of the nicest beer gardens you’ll find (if you are able to get a seat - it gets busy in summer). Decent barbeque food when it’s on, but not particularly cheap.
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A good honest place. Probably one of the best pubs left in Croydon.
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Great pub with friendly bar staff and locals. The pub has a homely feel about it with the big fire on in the winter. Also has a plasma tv which is nice when the footballs on. I think it is one of the oldest pubs in Croydon and is definately worth a visit. Drinks are a bit pricy though.
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Usual Youngs fare, Best, Special and, thesedays, Bombardier. My pint of mixed was in good form. Love the weathered old wood floor and general comfy unchanged feel of the place. Nod to modernism with plasma for football in rear room. Drink to the sound of the Surrey St market traders just outside. It's a good pub, cor blimey!
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Really nice pub! Says it all really!
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This is a nice little place to go. I have been here several times now and I have never been disappointed. They have a big garden out the back which is great in the summer time. The food is good and well priced. I would recommend a visit to this pub.
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I do believe I was served by the same barmaid as in the previous entry. Remarkable woman, but these days I consider myself lucky just to get served, although that has never been a problem in the D&B. One of the last trad pubs in Croydon, methinks. Rough around the edges but full of honesty, sincerity of style, and good beer. No pretensions here. Good garden, too. Yeah, I like this place. Reminds me of the good old days, or some fictitious version of them.
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Lovely old boozer in Surrey Street Market. Must be one of the oldest buildings in Central Croydon. Ales were Young's Special and Ordinary plus Wells' Bombadier (never a favourite of mine). My pint of Special was OK but not great. Maybe this is what the Bedford brews will always be like? I hope not.
A non-speaking barmaid didn't enhance the place though. As a former barman myself it amazes me that anyone can a) pull a pint for someone who has just said "Hello, a pint of Special please" b) place said pint in front of customer, who says "Thanks" c) take the banknote proffered by said customer d) return with and hand over change to customer who again says "Thanks" without uttering a single word and maintaining an expressionless poker face throughout. Remarkable.
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Really good traditional pub. Young's "new" ordinary bitter seemed fine to me but I wouldn't expect any other in here. Fine pub garden (no grass but plenty of plants) and lots of seating outside. One other major plus.....the pub still serves a variety of rolls, wrapped in foil and kept under a plastic container. This is traditional food at its best..... A truly fine pub....
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Great, traditional pub, serving a lovely pint. Eccentric but friendly locals. Let's hope it stays as it is for many years to come.
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I have rated this under a different username over 2 years ago, and I am happy to say I can stick by it - unless the Brave New World of "Wells-Youngs" messes everything up beer-wise, as most of us predict. I supped my final Wandsworth Ordinary on Wednesday (They'd ordered a cellar-full to ensure it lasted as long as possible!) and I felt it was the passing of an era. Time will tell.
This shouldn't stop the Dog being a classic, however, with its sometimes rough, but ever-ready mixed clientele, mainly from the Market outside, the local community, and at lunchtimes, various offices. Service is usually excellent, as is Dave's cellarmanship. THe guv'nor makes rare appearances but is always friendly. Food is also served at value prices - some of it can be a bit microwaved but at under a fiver one tends to expect it.
I have had innumerable sessions in here over the last 12 years, as my father did on and off for a further 24 before me. I have never had a bad time in the Dog, and there's always much to enjoy and amuse. The garden brings out various youngsters from whichever stones they normally drink under in the Summer, but really, the island bar is where the atmosphere is all year round! Keep on keeping on folks.
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Lovely little pub...
Packed at lunchtime. Nice mix of characters. Let the men drink while the wives are clothes shopping!
Nice range on tap...
Welcoming visit would def return...
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A charming, traditional market pub serving decent beer.
The Youngs' Special was well-kept.
Terenced offers this hostelry a very warm hand-shake.
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I love this pub! Frank and Dave are stars, and everything about the pub is just right. Long may they resist the changes the merger threatens!
(Where's yer white bits Dave?!!)
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Frank and his staff run a rare example of an unspoiled traditional market pub, a proper stand-up boozer with a clientele drawn from every sector of society, young, old, rich, poor, and it's difficult not to be drawn into easy conversation. That's just the start...
The Youngs ordinary is sometimes so good here it makes you forgive the brewery selling up and moving to Bedford. It can stop you in your tracks, make you gasp and hold your glass reverently as you savour the aroma of honey and flowers that proper hops exude.
That's what this pub is all about: excellent beer, excellent customers, and a lovely old building with a timeless atmosphere.
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A wonderful traditional pub, with a great beer garden. Am slightly dubious of Youngs beers since the "merger" with Charles Wells but this is a general problem, not specific to this pub.
anonymous - 10 Aug 2006 19:40 |
After using this marvellous old pub for over 30 years, I will, alas, be avoiding it. I was with an old friend and went to the bar to buy a couple of pints which were plonked down in front of me by the young woman serving. the measure was, unusually for this pub, substantially short by about a centimeter, so I asked (politely) for a top-up. I was given a top up, but with a bizarre outburst from the barmaid - "a please or thank you wouldn't go amiss" as the glasses were virtually thrown down. I HAD said please!
After returning to my table and informing my friend of this outburst, the same barmaid came round collecting glasses and barged our table, making our pints wobble! On her return journey she did the same, swinging her hip, quite deliberately, at the table, spilling half my friend's pint. Cooly looking down she said, "Oh, did I do that?" and returned to the bar!!!
I took the glass to the bar, asked for the beer to be replaced and was given it with ill-grace by a now very red-faced barmaid. I had no idea what caused this vituperous and vindictive behaviour from an otherwise pleasant person, and said so to her. It seemed from her reply she was resentful about my asking for a top-up... Perhaps she was having a bad day, but she wasn't having it through any fault of mine!
Perhaps I'll return and see if she's learned any customer-relationship skills.
anonymous - 3 Aug 2006 16:30 |
Lovely old pub. Good beer, friendly bar staff, no young hoodlums! Marvellous.
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Ever reliable Youngs house. Will we be drinking Bombadierre soon?
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Great old fashioned Youngs pub, one of the few left. Warm welcome from the variety of great characters in the bar. Great landlord and bar staff. Best pub in Croydon
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Top pub. Great Youngs and decent rolls to accompany your pint. really traditional and great place to go on market days which adds to the ambience. The Special is the best around I reckon. Friendly staff also. Good to see an old style pub that does what it says on the tin. 8/10
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Splendidly traditional pub by Surrey Street market. Who says Croydon is a pub desert nowadays ? Visit this one and The Royal Standard under the flyover for a taste of how pubs used to be - and still are thankfully in these two cases
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Enjoyed Young's bitter here, and would have given a higher rating if they did tasters when you are ordering a pint of anything new. Was slightly disappointing, having to spend 5 minutes trying to decide what beer to go for when getting in the last round at five to eleven. Having to mess around at the last minute just took the edge off what would have been quite an enjoyable night out (for Croydon).
That's the reason when visting Croydon next time I would favour the Beer-Circus and the Claret freehouses.
But despite this most of the bar staff were friendly enough when clearing our table, etc.
5/10.
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This must be the only safe pub in Croydon, no idiots, just good quality beer and friendly locals. The quiz is a must see on a tuesday. If you want a drink and no hassle, visit the Dog... and a great garden.
anonymous - 23 Sep 2005 18:06 |
I know pub food has come a long way in the last 10 to 15 years, but sometimes you just want a cheese and onion roll. Nothing fancy, 'garnishes' and master chef-style presentation, just a roll.
This pub still does that. Not many pubs do.
The Special always tastes good too.
..............................................
(By the way, Frank is the landlord, not Dave, who is a very efficient barman!)
WadeB - 16 Jun 2005 14:17 |
The best beer garden in Croydon, and the most colourful characters. polite staff, authentic furnishings and the cleanet pint of stella in Croydon (though you do pay for it. Worth it though). Thoroghly recommended!!
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This pub has to be seen to be believed. Although the bar is guaranteed to be crowded when the offices in the area finish for the day, you can still always find a free table. The Young's Special is superb and the pub has a welcoming atmosphere helped by the fact that nearly everyone who goes in there seems to know eachother. Good place to go for a few drinks on Friday evenings before heading on to Walkabout. Also, this place really comes into its own in the summer. Although there's a bit of building work going on next door at the moment, the beer garden is large enough to accomodate the merry mix of office types and barrow boys who spill outside for the gorgeous sunny evenings. Something I really can credit in regards to this pub is the staff. There are two regular South African bar staff who always look content with their job and the landlord, Dave, is an absolute legend. Any man who can launch a regular Tuesday evening quiz that costs 50p per person, promises a chip butty break and a pot consistently over £100 should be knighted anyway, but the final round that encompasses a version of Bruce Forsythe's 'Play Your Cards Right' is truly the icing on the cake!
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This is an outstanding pub. One of a sadly diminishing stock. However, in response to the comment from eccentric_man, try the Tamworth Arms in West Croydon. A good solid Youngs pub, still thriving (I hope).
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Great pub on Surrey St. in amongst the market. Fair range of Young's brews. Traditional listed building dates back ages. Friendly, decent folk reside herein. Also only remaining Young's pub in Croydon, as far as I know. The rest have gradually receded into the ether. Shame.
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Marvellously traditional and welcoming pub. Long may it stay that way. Previous comments are spot on. The Youngs Ordinary was on fine form and relatively cheap at only £ 2.20p. A must on any serious Croydon pub crawl - try also the Royal Standard ( Fullers ) in nearby Sheldon Street - less than 5 minutes walk away near the multi storey and under the flyover.
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I had been there once before and found it to be a cramped pub that was no good.
However, I went in on Saturday night to see the end of the snooker (if only I'd arrived sooner) and was pleasantly surprised. Not way too full as before. The piano was a nice touch. Maybe I should give it one more try as a kind of a decider time.
And maybe give it a bit longer, coz have only ever turned up for one pint.
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Excellent boozer, real pub with real people, wish we had more of them. Genuine furniture and fittings, (not pseudo-old). Classic bar. A real pub with the echos and chants of the street market outside.
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Reminds me of Belfast. A classic saloon bar. Tom who writes above is spot on, this place is vintage class. You could be sitting on a movie set in there sometimes. A great bar for people who take this sort of thing seriously. An institution.
Barry - 27 May 2004 16:43 |
The very definition of classic London boozer. Good honest grub is served for cheap prices at lunchtimes, but this really is intended for drinkers: specifically Young's ale appreciaters, and has been so for many decades. Predominatly older chaps, but what character! Summer brings youngsters out as the garden is the biggest suntrap in town. A corker; I hope it will never change!
Tom - 29 Mar 2004 16:15 |
My old man used to run this pub and we lived above it about twenty years ago. I worked in the market outside after school and on weekends, etc. It's the oldest pub in London and i have a pic of Prince Charles standing behind the bar pouring a pint!
Simon Fisher - 30 Jan 2004 05:58 |
I like Errol's Piano playin at the back of the pub, and the youngs's beer is good too!
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I dont know who "tc" is but I do know that a good while ago, some kind sould gave me a bottle of "BEANO" beer, especially pertinent since I run the shop of the same name!
I guess it was you "tc"
D.L.
anonymous - 7 Dec 2003 15:14 |
Local Pub in the middle of Surey Street Market. Good quality Youngs and decent food.
Has David drunks his bottle of Beano's Beer yet?
T C - 16 Oct 2003 19:01 |
Good traditional pub with excellent Youngs ales. Locals friendly for the most part.
Nicholas - 11 Sep 2003 05:22 |
Daytime it is in the middle of a busy street market, in the evening it is a really welcoming place to visit and a great contrast to the usual bars. (especially the garden when it is fine!)
David Lesley - 1 Sep 2003 17:59 |
Quite simply the only remaining Proper Pub in Croydon!! Great garden, fantastic atmosphere, no bloody coctails and nancy drinkers!!
Also just close to The World Famous BEANOS RECORD SHOP, the largest second-hand record shop anywhere!!
Buy your sounds, take a beer and chill out!!!!!!
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