please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
I would have to agree with JohnBonser on this - like smoking, its intrusive. I like animals in principle, but I don't like to go to the pub and have my crotch sniffed or my hands licked by the local hound, traditional or not. If we want to go traditional, perhaps we should bring back cock-fighting...I'm sure Toffee is a lovely dog, but, like fags, just because you like them, it doesn't mean other people do.
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As a group of regulars at the Surprise we were disturbed to read the comments of JohnBonser about our beloved Toffee. Indeed, as someone who seems to appreciate 'fine traditional unspoilt' pubs, we were a little confused about your attitude to pub dogs in general. There are very few pubs left in London where dogs are welcome, and what is more traditional than taking the dog for walkies to your favourite local. We have several regular canine friends at the Surprise and we love them all, even if they are sometimes a little boisterous. Toffee is now an old gentleman,and if indeed he is not here the next time you visit, you will find it a much saddened pub.
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Fine traditional unspoilt Youngs pub - it hasn't yet had the benefit of a "tasteful refurbishment" - located in a cul de sac off the Wandsworth Road and backing on to Larkhall Park.
Note in particular the back room with the caricature drawings of pub customers.
In marked contrast to other reviewers, unfortunately, I am no big fan of the pub dog, Toffee.
My arrival yesterday ( Sunday ) afternoon at approx 12.45 pm, which purely by chance coincided with the arrival of another customer ( also not a regular ), was met with several minutes of unrestrained barking until the landlord managed to quieten him. Not the best of welcomes, I would suggest.
No, I'm not a fan of pub dogs in general - particularly in small pubs like this when they take up too much room by sprawling all over the place. Occasionally they try and jump all over you and lick you, which I'm not keen on as you never know where they've been.
This is a fine traditional pub, however, I won't be disappointed if said dog is not there next time I call in.
Had he not been there, I might have stayed longer as the Ordinary was in good form.
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The dog is always on a diet, but I understand it can't be kept out of picnics in the summer. A really fine pub.
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One of the more atmospheric Youngs pubs and certainly sold a very decent Ordinary, though I sensed real ale not the strongest seller. Very welcoming too.
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Lovely location, friendly, and the dog, Toffee, is still there and now on a diet.
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used to visit at lunchtime really great place love it in the summer when you can perch yourself in the beer garden and it feels like you're in the middle of the park.
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I echo the comment below nice old fashioned pub worth a visit
juzza - 29 Aug 2006 14:07 |
Very nice, quiet, old-fashioned back street pub. No music playing, just the clink of glasses and pleasant sounds of human conversation.
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Small but just about perfectly formed. A countryside feel in the heart of darkest S London
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Iīd forgotten about this pub. I used to drop in the odd time when I worked in Stockwell. Donīt tell me that dog is still alive. Nice one !
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It took me by surprise
Great small pub with youngs beer and dog; what more could one want!
anonymous - 13 May 2005 00:11 |
Outdoor seating by the park is as pleasent as it gets in Stockwell, although the pub is quite small and smoky inside. Friendly staff, well priced beer, but the dog has to go on a diet - it can hardly walk!
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Great little pub, the beer is kept in good condition and the only down side is there is no pinball anymore.
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It's amazing to consider this pub is just off the Wandsworth Road as it feels so hidden. I love sitting outside while my kids lavish love onto Toffee. Staff are friendly.
roxy - 1 Sep 2004 14:09 |
I like it if only to have a quick one. Nice to sit outside with the sun out and people inside are friendly. The pub dog is huge! I saw a minicab driver pull up outside and give the dog some fried chicken and drive off.
Arfur - 14 Jul 2004 08:51 |
Tucked away in a secluded corner of Larkhall Park this is a lovely tiny 'secret' place. Especially nice on long summer evenings when you can sit on the quiet grass and watch the sun come down. Gorgeous.
bob - 25 Mar 2004 02:26 |
Marie is a great landlady and
Toffee is the best pub dog in the country. Period.
Simon Marchese - 21 Dec 2003 23:28 |
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