Who wants to schlep beyond London in search of a countryside pub when authentic rural charm is waiting for you just around the corner?

The Venue
The Telegraph Inn, set in the peaceful, leafy surrounds of Putney Heath, has all the character and serenity you’d expect of a countryside pub - all within a stone’s throw of one of London’s buzzing high streets. Walk, ride, or take the dog along to this polished, rustic venue complete with an expansive beer garden.

Inside is relaxed sumptuousness, mixing familiar pub touches with modern, elegant furnishings: cushy lounge chairs, high cocktail tables, giant dining tables with high-backed chairs and pews to sit at. There’s even a small curtained room with couches and a fireplace that looks straight out of someone’s living room. Out front is gorgeous, too - a sun-blushed garden with picnic tables set under expansive trees and wooden arbours decorated with climbing vines tie in with the classic cream facade adorned with teal shutters. Adding extra character, there’s a blues bar tucked upstairs that attracts top British, European, American and Canadian musicians.

The Atmosphere
Telegraph Inn has an air of historic significance about it. It’s a little out of the way so you won’t find it too crammed, with the most competitive seat-snatching days occurring when the sun comes out or there is a cricket match on Putney Heath nearby.

You’ll find a whole bunch of punters; cyclists, dog walkers, families, young things, sports watchers (there’s a TV inside) and fine folk from nearby affluent areas. In any case, you’re guaranteed a relaxed tipple.

The Food
A delicious sounding, if pricey, menu puts a spin on the tried and tested gastro menus so familiar across London. Traditional dishes like cod and chips (£12) and free range sausage and mash (£9.50) appear alongside the Moroccan spiced lamb burger with halloumi and tzatziki (£11), black bream with piedmonte peppers, crab and saffron aioli (£14) and even a whole lobster (£25).

If you don’t fancy forking out that much cash, there are tempting light bites on offer at the Telegraph Inn from the £4.25-£7 mark. There’s also prime cuts of meat on a grilling menu, sandwiches, and you can build your own grazing board with treats like chilli and coriander prawns, marinated olives, brie-smoked Applewood Cheddar, chorizo and rustic bread and hummus (all at £1.50 per item).

The Drink
There’s a great selection of ales at the Telegraph Inn with special guest appearances from Naked Ladies and Twickenham Fine Ale on tap. They add to an already impressive draught selection that includes Adnams Broadside, Doom Bar, Tribute, Hoegaarden, Stella and Staropramen.

There is a small choice in bottles with Budweiser, Corona and Leffe making an appearance. A broad global wine list ticks off the obligatory NZ Sauvignon Blanc, Burgundy Chablis and Californian Zinfandel with some corkers thrown in like a German Riesling and a Danube Pinot Grigio. All are excellent choices ranging from £3.40-£5.60 for a small glass and £13-£29 a bottle.

The Last Word
A quaint pub with one of the best beer gardens around, great food and real ale make The Telegraph Inn worth the bus ride from Putney High Street. It lives up to its self-proclaimed title of a ‘Country Pub in London’.

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