If you find yourself near Mitcham Junction Rail Station and fancy a pint or a cheeky cocktail, you’re in luck! The area around Mitcham Junction may not be the first place you think of for a night out, but it’s home to some hidden gems. Whether you’re after a cosy pub with a local vibe or a lively spot to kick off your weekend, there’s something for everyone. Grab your mates and explore the best bars and pubs that make this part of London surprisingly delightful.
The Gardeners Arms
Address: 107 London Road, Mitcham, CR4 2JA
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? The Gardeners Arms is situated on London Road, just north of Mitcham town centre. This central location makes it easily accessible, with nearby transport links including Mitcham Eastfields and Tooting stations.
- What’s the Vibe? This pub is a classic, old-school local with a Victorian exterior, offering a cosy and unpretentious atmosphere. It’s popular with an older crowd, and the overall vibe is friendly yet low-key, making it a comfortable spot for a quiet pint or to watch some sports. The decor inside is traditional, with a mix of wooden furnishings and some quirky touches like a framed copy of Barack Obama’s first presidential acceptance speech.
What’s On Offer
- Drinks Selection: While the pub has historically served real ale, it currently focuses on a solid selection of branded lagers and Guinness. The lack of cask ales might disappoint some, but it remains a popular choice for those who enjoy a well-poured pint of stout.
- Community Events: The Gardeners Arms often hosts live music and other community events. With a focus on creating a local hub, these events are well-attended by regulars and add to the pub’s lively and welcoming atmosphere. There’s also a rear beer garden, a nice spot to enjoy a drink during warmer months.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit? The pub is open from Monday to Thursday from 12:00 to 23:00, extending its hours on Friday and Saturday until midnight, and from 12:00 to 23:00 on Sundays.
Windmill Inn
Address: 40 Commonside West, Mitcham, CR4 4HA
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? The Windmill Inn is situated on Commonside West in Mitcham, directly facing the expansive Mitcham Common. This location provides a serene setting while still being close to local amenities and public transport options, such as Mitcham Junction, which is just a short walk away.
- What’s the Vibe? The Windmill Inn offers a cosy, traditional pub atmosphere with a strong sense of community. Its interior features charming stained-glass windows depicting windmills, adding to its quaint appeal. The pub is a favourite among locals, known for its friendly staff and a warm, welcoming vibe. Despite its small size, the pub’s layout—with a low ceiling, carpeted floors, and comfortable seating—makes it an ideal spot for relaxed social gatherings.
What’s On Offer
- Real Ale Selection: The Windmill Inn is listed in the Good Beer Guide, a testament to its quality ale offerings. While the selection is modest, with a particular focus on local brews like Wimbledon Pale and Fuller’s London Pride, the quality is consistently praised. The pub also occasionally features guest ales, making it a reliable spot for real ale enthusiasts.
- Community Events & Activities: This pub is more than just a place for a pint; it’s a hub for local activities. Regular events include live music performances, particularly on Fridays, and a popular monthly acoustic session. For sports fans, the pub screens terrestrial TV sports highlights, creating a lively atmosphere during big games. Additionally, Sundays at the Windmill are special, with free bar snacks like roast potatoes and cocktail sausages offered to patrons.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Monday to Thursday: 12:00 PM – 11:30 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 11:30 AM – 12:30 AM
- Sunday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM
The Windmill Inn’s traditional charm, coupled with its community focus, makes it a standout venue in Mitcham, ideal for those seeking a genuine local pub experience.
The Crown Inn
Address: 407 London Road, Mitcham, CR4 4BG
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? The Crown Inn is located on London Road in Mitcham, a historic area of Surrey. It is conveniently positioned near Mitcham Junction tram stop.
- What’s the Vibe? The Crown Inn offers a charming and welcoming atmosphere that appeals to a diverse clientele. This pub blends the traditional with the contemporary, retaining its classic pub identity while incorporating elements from its recent past, such as the adjoining Sri Lankan restaurant and shisha lounge. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, making it an ideal spot for socialising or unwinding after a long day.
What’s On Offer
- Real Ales & Traditional Pub Fare: The Crown Inn is renowned for its selection of real ales, including favourites like Greene King IPA and Morland Old Speckled Hen. The pub offers a menu of hearty British classics, perfect for enjoying with a pint.
- Casuarina Tree Restaurant & Shisha Lounge: An intriguing feature of The Crown Inn is its connection to the Casuarina Tree, a Sri Lankan restaurant, and Escape, a shisha lounge, both located on the same premises. This unique combination allows patrons to enjoy a diverse range of dining and leisure experiences in one place.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit? The Crown Inn is open daily from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
Surrey Arms
Address: 174 Morden Road, Mitcham, CR4 4DD
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? The Surrey Arms is located on Morden Road in Mitcham, Surrey. It’s nestled in a somewhat residential area, close to Belgrave Walk tram stop.
- What’s the Vibe? The Surrey Arms has a traditional pub feel, split into two distinct rooms. The atmosphere is simple and unpretentious, with a mix of locals frequenting the pub. The decor is quite minimalist, with red and cream walls, and basic furnishings that give it a somewhat dated charm. It’s a place where regulars gather, often contributing to a lively and familiar atmosphere, especially during televised sports events.
What’s On Offer:
- Function Room: The pub offers a function room that is surprisingly free to hire, making it a popular spot for local gatherings and events. This room is often used for private parties and community events, adding a personal touch to its offerings.
- Live Music & Karaoke: The Surrey Arms regularly hosts live music and karaoke nights, which are particularly well-loved by the locals. These events tend to draw a crowd and contribute to the pub’s lively atmosphere on weekends.
Practical Info:
- When Can You Visit? The Surrey Arms is open from 12:00 PM to 11:30 PM from Sunday to Thursday, and extends its hours to 1:30 AM on Fridays and Saturdays.
White Lion of Mortimer
Address: 223 London Rd, Mitcham, CR4 2JD
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? The White Lion of Mortimer is situated on London Road in Mitcham, a convenient location in the town centre. It’s easily accessible and just a short walk from local transport links like Phipps Bridge tram stop.
- What’s the Vibe? The pub offers a warm and inviting atmosphere with a lively yet comfortable vibe. The interior blends traditional features such as a decorative ceiling and tiled floors with a bright and spacious layout. Despite its large size, the pub manages to feel cosy, particularly in its quieter rear area. It’s a place where you can enjoy a pint in peace or join in with the more vibrant crowd during busier hours.
What’s On Offer
- Real Ales & Drinks: The White Lion of Mortimer is known for its wide selection of real ales, making it a hit with beer enthusiasts. While the beer selection may vary, the pub regularly features local and guest ales that cater to different tastes. The focus here is on quality drinks served in a friendly, relaxed setting.
- DJ Nights: On weekends, the pub comes alive with a DJ spinning tracks, adding a festive atmosphere to the evening. This makes it a great venue for those looking to unwind after a long week with some music and affordable drinks.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit? The pub is open from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM on most days, with extended hours until 2:00 AM on Fridays.
Ready to Visit?
If you find yourself near Mitcham Junction Rail Station, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the variety of bars and pubs in the area. Mitcham might not be the first place that comes to mind for a night out, but it offers some charming spots with a distinct local flavour. Whether you’re in the mood for a cosy pint at The Gardeners Arms, with its traditional pub atmosphere and lively community events, or prefer the real ale selection and friendly vibe of The Windmill Inn, you’re sure to find a place that suits your taste.
Share the Love
Why not try one of these local gems next time you’re in the area? Share this article with friends who appreciate a good pub, and don’t forget to leave a review after your visit!