The scene The pub within is a local watering hole, a gig and comedy venue and home for the last three years to charity Music4Children, run by resident Aussie and pub owner Oz Bayldon.
He regularly runs fundraising events (the world’s highest gig record has been held twice by Oz and co, with shows in Nepal in 2005 and 2012, the proceeds of which funded building an orphanage), as well as community-supporting activities held in its myriad rooms, from zumba to music production.
It has the spacious and unpretenious vibes you’d associate with acoustic guitars and Marshall speaker-boasting venues (the likes of Alabama 3 and Willy Mason have dropped in before), but it is the character of the venue and the friends-and-family vibe of those who run it that makes it a welcoming and always hospitable place for a chat and a pint, and catching an awesome band.
The grub None to speak of, but the choice of thinly cut potato snacks is sublime. Behind the bar A range of beers and ales, the odd wine, and spirits and mixers.
Bill please Pints, wine (by the glass) and spirits and mixers all from £3.50.
Verdict With music, open mic nights and comedy six days a week, and a host of friendly faces behind the bar, this is a local to more than just the locals.
234 Streatham High Road, SW16 1BB
whitelion.org.uk
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