This Putney pub packs in a sizeable crowd of trendy locals, keen to enjoy the attentive service, good pub grub and a wide choice of wines and beers.

The Venue
Located just off the bustling High Street on Lacy Road, The Coat and Badge is located five minutes walk from Putney railway station, or about ten minutes from either East Putney or Putney Bridge tubes. The tall, imposing building is easily spotted at the start of the street, and is accessed through a pretty beer garden to the front of the pub. Unfortunately, in the era of the smoking ban this is largely given over to the tobacco aficionados, so be prepared to wade through the clouds of smoke to get to the entrance - perhaps not the ideal start to the evening for non-smokers.

Inside, you’ll find something to suit any mood – whether drinking at the front in the busy bar area, or a quiet meal at the rear of the venue. It’s decorated in an eclectic, modern style, with mismatched tables, floor-to-ceiling paintings of a dog’s undercarriage and a nod to the Putney locale with an upturned rowing boat being used a bookcase. The only criticism is the far too bright spotlights in the dining room - you feel rather like you’re on stage if sat directly below one!

The Atmosphere
The Coat and Badge attracts a young and lively crowd of Putney locals – they’re mostly in their late twenties and thirties, and are just as Sloaney as you’d expect in these parts, though this is tempered by the considerable Australian contingent.

By 8pm on weeknights, the venue is packed with drinkers, so come early if it’s a quiet meal you fancy. The casual, down-to-earth staff are totally in tune with their customers’ needs - stopping by at your table to check everything’s going well with your meal, enjoying a chat as they take your order, and making sure no one is stood waiting at the bar for too long.

The Food
The modern British menu on offer at The Coat and Badge offers up some gastro-esque options, such as confit of duck leg and rigatoni with chorizo, but the focus here is on the traditional, such as steaks and fish and chips.

For the really hungry, there are some great starters to kick off with. Options include tomato and tarragon soup, artichoke, bacon and rocket salad and crusted mushrooms with goats cheese, priced from £4 to £7. A crispy, filling option is the generous portion of deep fried, breaded calamari, served with a sweet chilli jam, though it’s worth remembering this is pub grub, not gastropub fare, and the calamari are a little too rubbery to finish the plateful. The Eggs Benedict is disappointing too, as it arrives with quite a watery tasting egg and an accompanying sauce that isn’t quite tangy enough to make up for it.

Much more satisfying are the main courses. For the carnivores, there’s a fantastic bangers and mash, costing £8.50 – the bangers in question are huge, herby Cumberland sausages, the mash is creamy and light, and the whole plate is covered in a tangy thyme gravy. Those with a big appetite certainly won’t be disappointed. The £9 fish and chips is another traditional option that’s executed without fault - it’s filling and good quality for the price.

The puddings are only for the brave - the portions may have left you a bit full by this stage of the meal! The chocolate fudge cake is a perfect slice of sin, the sponge is light and moist and covered in so much cream and sauce you can go home feeling positively naughty. The plum crumble is a nursery treat for this postcode’s public schoolboys, consisting of a sweet, tart plum base, topped with oats and crumble and served with an ice cream accompaniment. Desserts cost £4-£5.

The Drink
The wine list at the Coat and Badge is well selected and offers up plenty of choice. With ten red wines, ten whites and a couple of roses, there are also options to suit every budget with prices between £12 and £25, plus Champagnes between £23 and £58. Recommended is the crisp, easy-drinking Gran Hacienda Sauvignon Blanc, priced at £15, though they ought to serve it a couple of degrees cooler.

The Last Word
Most people come to The Coat and Badge for a drink, and it’s a great place to do so with attentive staff and a bustling atmosphere, but the food is worth a try. Go for the filling British options and you’ll go home feeling satisfying stuffed!

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