ONE PUB ONLY? Drink in town CRAWLING FROM RAILWAY STATION TO THE GROUND? Coat and Badge , Jolly Gardeners and Half Moon then  over the bridge and through the park. SOMETHING A LITTLE DIFFERENT? Jolly Gardeners                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Coat and Badge 8 Lacy Rd, Putney, SW15 1NL   T 020 8788 4900   W www.geronimo-inns.co.uk/thecoatandbadge G Jamie Floodman   F Modern English cuisine with healthy options 12 to 3, 6 to 10.30 Mon - Fri, 12 to 4, 6 to 10.30 Sat, 12 to 4, 6 to 9.30 Sun    MP   SK   BM   D O 11 to 12 Mon - Sat, 12 to 10.30 Sun           Away fans have found that the premiership has changed what once was one of the best away trips of the lower leagues. All pubs north of the River are now designated home-only, so it is well worth heading south to Putney. The first, just off the High Street is both modern in design and European in feel. The continental lagers and café layout helps to suggest that , as I sit by the welcome fire in early February, .the days of summer lunches are not too far away.            Doggetts Coat and Badge is taken from the rowing event that is commemorated in the club-house role call around the walls. The plasma screens are more likely to be popular on rugby international days. On a normal Saturday the pub will be busy, but there is space for a meal and chat. This is a locals’ pub, those locals being professionals who enjoy the rear room as a library-style meeting room. Larger groups can book the upstairs function room. I enjoyed my lunchtime, shared with ear-blowing couples and early afternoon punters ready to blow their hard-earned cash on some afternoon racing. The Geronimo concept attempts to create “a village pub in London”. If this is anything to go by then I should check out their other locations. It is certainly comfortable: all I would need is internet access and I could have written this up over a pint of Deuchars, just like at home. BWV 1.2.06:  Adnams Bitter,  Caledonian Deuchars IPA,  Courage Directors Half Moon 93 Lower Richmond Rd, Putney, SW15 1EU   T 020 8780 9383   W www.halfmoon.co.uk   G James Harris   MP   TV   JB   P O 12 to 11.30 Mon - Thu, 12 to 12 Sat, 12 to 11 Sun            The Lower Reach has many big pubs with great riverside locations. None has the extras that the Half Moon can offer. This is a serious live-music venue. From unsigned bands having their first proper gig, to old established performers, the Half Moon is likely to have featured at some time. Take the first giggers and would you believe Kate Bush fits that bill, of the circuit boys, Steve Gibbons. They also reckon Elvis Costello resided here. I will be back soon for an ale and stomp. This is a real ale guide, man - get real. In contrast to the other Putney pubs, not included in this guide, the welcome from Kathy was instant, knowledgeable and warm. It has that certain real pub feeling, a locals’ pub that has something extra for those locals to cherish. The beer also includes occasional guests.           The pub is large in the old London-design style that is fast disappearing. High ceilings, large windows and a pool table that has room enough for others to enjoy the same space. This is the nearest I could find to that old Fulham atmosphere. It would be a definite on my pre-match pub crawl. Even better then, on a weekend away trip, would be to check out their website just in case there was an opportunity for a real nostalgia trip. This brings me back to the music. The 200 - capacity back room opens at 8.30 for an 8.45 start, Paul Young and Los Pacaminos next up. The only problem was the last train home. BWV 1.2.06:  Young’s Bitter, Special Latest Under threat of closure Save the Halfmoom facebook site     Jolly Gardeners 61 - 63 Lacy Rd, Putney, SW15 1NT   T 020 8780 8921   W www.thejollygardenerssw15.co.uk G Remi Sijuwade   F Menu to cater for all tastes, from burgers to steaks 12 to 9.45, 12 to 9 Sun MP   TV   BM   D O 12 to 11, 12 to 10.30 Sun            My third choice is also off Putney High Street, just along the road from the Coat and Badge. It is, curiously, an M+B retro pub, whatever that means. It is certainly something a little different for a London pub. Methinks the designer had some problems with too much cider. It re-opened three years ago under Remi’s stewardship and is a great town local that is equally attractive for those coming into the area either as new residents or club-goers.            It says “Don’t be shy, ask to try” about the numerous continental lagers. The ales are good, the choice having occasional guests for Londoners who have a diet of Fuller’s and Young’s as their only alternatives. The photos and artwork are truly impressive, so too the clever use of greenery to create a living space rather than a faceless, modernized bar. Chandeliers and an open fire - do you get the problems I am having here to describe the uniqueness of the place. I suggest just concentrating on the beers and good company. The students settled to their first game of Monopoly of the day. They are also, apparently, serial Scrabblers. The elders were more content to discuss the Derby and how watching Fulham used to be so much better when they played real teams, and one could travel away without having to re-mortgage the house. All this and “No naughtiness in the garden” makes it a fun place to drink and certainly worth adding to the must-visit list. BWV 1.2.06:  Adnams Bitter,  Caledonian Deuchars IPA,  Fuller’s London Pride WEST LONDON CAMRA Bob Hawkes recommends the DUKES HEAD in Putney LOCAL BREWERY Twickenham Fine Ales Ltd Ryecroft Works, Edwin Road, Twickenham. TW2 6SP Tel: 020 8241 1825 www.twickenham-fine-ales.co.uk/  WETHERSPOONS The Railway  202 Upper Richmond Road  Putney  SW15 6TD  Opening Times:  Mon-Sun 9am-midnight CRAVEN COTTAGE