The Jolly Gardeners is much more than just a friendly little pub to the Earlsfield locals. Expect top-notch food, comfortable surrounds and an outdoor area wrapped in gorgeous fairylights. This place is something special.

The Venue
Although the Jolly Gardeners sits right on South West London’s Garratt Lane, it’s not immediately close to any transport links. It’s closer to the Wandsworth side of Garratt Lane and is roughly a 7 minute walk from Earlsfield train station. You might think that its location would mean the pub doesn’t see much business, but looks can be deceiving. On approach, the pub appears unassuming, painted mostly green and white with steamed-up windows in the winter, meaning you can’t really see what’s going on inside.

Entering the Jolly Gardeners, you immediately feel cosy, warm and welcomed. Contrary to what you may think, this is a bustling little place. The pub emits an ambience of casual class. The pub area is quite small; dark leather Victorian couches surround an old fireplace with a choice of boardgames. There are tables and bar stools, too, and all of the seating completely surrounds the modest yet fully stocked little bar. To get to the outdoor area you must walk through the dining area first. The dining area is really fabulous, gorgeous wooden tables and chairs sit on a pine floor, whilst candles and fairylights surround its diners.

Fairylights extend to the outdoor area, which is quite large. In the summer, there is an option to sit and eat outside under a large summery parasol. At night, the lighting is romantic and the perfect setting for a balmy evening drink.

The Atmosphere
From the friendly smiles of the bar staff as you walk through the door to the comfortable feeling of knowing that there are locals here that come time and time again, there’s nothing untoward about the atmosphere at the Jolly Gardeners. The staff are accommodating; whether you want to reserve an area for a party, sample the menu or simply buy a drink, you are always met with a smile. For regulars, there’s friendly banter to be had and a lovely sense of community, without being saccharin.

The atmosphere here augments slightly with the changing of the seasons. In the winter, you can sit by the fireplace on a big old Victorian couch chatting with friends or a loved one over a glass of wine. By the time the summer arrives expect a different feel, punters sit outside enjoying the casual atmosphere.

The Food
One word resounds when you think of food at the Jolly Gardeners – quality. From the produce and the presentation to the waiting staff, there’s no scrimping on style and quality. They do great pub food from an array of seafood dishes, rustic pub fair and daily specials. It has to be said, there is no cheap option here, so be expected to pay restaurant prices. The menu is seasonal and changes all the time so locals don’t become bored of the dishes.

A meaty main course will cost between £12-£15. For those partial to a steak, the chefs here cook it perfectly according to taste. These guys aren’t stingy with their portions either – the meals here are presented beautifully and there’s always enough on your plate to fill your belly. A tuna steak on curried linguine has been known to frequent the menu during the summer months for around £13. The tuna steak is well cooked, perfectly pink on the inside. If you still fancy some grub but are a little short of cash, there are always the bar snacks. A selection of gorgeously soft and crusty breads is on offer with balsamic vinegar and olive oil for around £5. Of course, you can always ask for good old potato wedges and a little bowl of olives for the same price.

The Drink
The wines are a real selling point here. A glass of house red or white will set you back around £4.50 for a large glass, but when they say large they mean large. A bottle of house rose, white or red can be bought for around £8. The house white tends to be acidic and rather bitter but for the low price it’s perfectly quaffable. There are a selection of draught beers on tap and lots of spirits to choose from as well if you’re not a fan of the grape.

The Last Word
One of Earlsfield’s finest locals, the Jolly Gardeners is an attractive, well put together pub that pays close attention to providing a quality night out.

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