The Star & Garter moves upmarket

We remember this place from way back when it used to be packed on hot summer nights with the young and trendy from the area and hordes of SW rugger-buggers. Saturday nights were always lively and the area in front of it teemed with happy drunkards, trying not to get their feet wet. And we always stayed away on boat race day.

Now this huge place is more bar than pub - no common pub grub here, they've put in a "Cheese Room" and serve plates of charcuterie and cheese to the clientele. Gone are all the remnants of the pubs past, replaced with comfy chairs and conversation groups, albeit with great views over the river.

There's an extensive wine list with an international flavour (including some rarities), but fear not: you can still get a decent pint from one of the two hand pumps. And if you're stuck for a place to hold that knitting circle, there's a rather large room downstairs that's for hire.

Don't get us wrong, it's welcoming enough and an excellent place for pint during the week. We just wonder how they'll cope with the boat race now.

NEAREST STATION:Putney pier station
FEATURES: disabled facilities, real ales, function room available, open after 11:00pm

The Pembury Tavern
238 Dalston Lane, E8 1JG