When a friend invited Pubspy for a drink, I can’t say I was thrilled when they took me to Catford.

Not because I have anything against Catford, the area just wouldn't necessarily pop into my head when I was choosing a place to go drinking. 

I may have judged the place too quickly so tempted by a convenient bus home for a quick escape if needed and the lure of good company, off Pubspy trotted to the cheap and cheerful Wetherspoon's The London & Rye.

Or at least cheap, at £3.20 for a large Pinot Grigio - not Pubspy's usual tipple but I was feeling fruity being in Catford and all - you can't complain.

Granted the wine comes from a tap and was slightly frothy but I challenge anybody to find a bigger glass for less money, in a pub not owned by Wetherspoon, this side of the M25.

The pub itself is fine, slightly less grand than Wetherspoon's more modern refurbished cinemas, but it was relatively clean and neutrally decorated with a big glass front to let the sunshine pour in on the poor unfortunate souls supping away on Monday evening.

We settled ourselves down on a table for two and then the entertainment began.

If you're in the market for a bargain, a kindly gentleman in the London & Rye can sell you 'top brand washing powder proper cheap' - sadly Pubspy has done his monthly load of laundry.

The staff are on the ball too - one punter, despite wearing his best tracksuit, was refused service as he was, shall we say, a little worse for wear.

Pubspy considered using his review of The London & Rye instead but the amount of expletives would make our reader's eyes water.

One thing that can be said for this pub is that regardless of the customer's angry outbursts and foul mouths, they are all very polite to strangers.

The poor gentleman who just wanted a 'f***ing drink' came over to apologise for any offence he had caused before telling the entire pub he loved us and stumbling out of the door.



The London and Rye, Rushey Green, Catford.

How it rated:

Decor ** Fine - bland but clean

Atmosphere ** Entertaining to say the least

Drinks *** Cheap as chips, but slightly frothy

Staff **** Very pleasant