There’s stiff competition amongst quality gastropubs in Putney but the recently renovated Prince of Wales, with its great menu and friendly atmosphere, is a cut above the rest.

The Venue
The Prince of Wales is a gleaming white and welcoming venue, minutes from Putney High Street and just down the road from East Putney station. The new paint job, old-style lanterns framing the entrance and elegant lettering on the Victorian facade tell locals there is a real pub player in the area – and it’s definitely worth a visit. Inside, the glossy wood-panelled bar is small but kitted out with comfy seats, board games and quirky decorations. Rest your pint on a table made from an old safe, check out the artistic arrangement of antique bellows and ogle the dozens of tankards lining the wall (if you’re a regular, you get your own).

The deep green feature walls, stained glass windows, and slate flooring in the restaurant give an air of sophistication not often comfortably achieved by a casual local. There’s also a great area outside with picnic tables for smokers and sunny days.

The Atmosphere
Friendly staff are always a welcome boost to the atmosphere of a local pub, and the workers here are exceptionally charming and chatty. This pub is perfect for cosying up on a couch by the fireplace, grabbing a bench seat with friends or for a more refined meal in the light and airy dining room. Punters are of all ages – you’ll find regulars propping up the bar, well-dressed Putney socialites on Saturday nights, families for Sunday lunch and a casual jovial crew for the Sunday quiz night.

The Food
Food at the Prince of Wales is fresh British produce at its best. The food is stunning and creatively presented – order the hare and potato pie and mash for two and it will come in one deliciously large casserole dish to share from. The beer batter on the Cornish haddock is light and fluffy and comes with a chic serving board just for your pea puree, tartare sauce and crispy chips. From whole roast partridge to sauteed lambs tongues, roast pumpkin soup or skate wing and lentils, this is not ordinary pub food and definitely worth the £9.50-£15 price tag on mains.

There is also a posh British brunch menu and a chicken rotisserie served every day. The menu is constantly changing, the only downfall being that your favourite dish might not be around the next time you visit.

The Drink
The small bar is stacked with choices, with an especially vast variety of rums, vodkas and whiskies (the knowledgeable staff are happy to talk you through the choices if you fancy something in particular). An extensive wine list with a special emphasis on French varieties is impressive, with prices ranging from £12-£36 per bottle, and there’s also Champagne if you fancy. The pub is also one of the few places these days with Red Stripe on tap.

The Last Word
One of the oldest pubs in the area, the Prince of Wales is no longer a faceless, ordinary drinking spot. Its revamp has breathed new life into a tired, forgotten venue and it has blossomed into a charming and unique crowd favourite.

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