A cosy pub on busy Putney High Street, with comfy sofas, secluded spots and traditional pub food and drinks that are sure to hit the spot.

The Venue
Slap bang in between Putney Bridge and Putney rail station, the Whistle and Flute is a beacon of light and warmth on Putney’s High Street – especially if you’ve walked over the bridge on a blustery day. A white exterior with hanging flower baskets and golden light glowing through the windows certainly draws you in, and the cosy interior is enough to keep you there, too. The bar takes up the centre of the room, with various styles of seating on every side. The front of the pub has slouchy sofas to the right, and high-top wooden tables to the left. To the back of the bar are more sofas on one side, and a raised, secluded area to the back, with a few dining tables and more comfy sofas to the rear. Dark wood runs throughout, with pictures on the walls and even a painted-on bookcase to cleverly disguise the fire exit.

The Atmosphere
The comfortable furnishings and warm lighting make this a truly relaxing place where you are sure to feel welcome. Staff cannot do enough to make sure you’re enjoying your time there – a far cry from some of the pub staff in London – and are happy to help whether you’re struggling to choose food from the menu, or want to try something different at the bar. Music is lively, giving the relaxing atmosphere an upbeat pace, without being loud and alienating for those looking for a quiet chat – the back of the pub in particular is the ideal place for meals for two. A quiz night runs on Sundays from 7pm, offering the chance to show your general knowledge skills and win some prizes, too.

The Food
A menu that changes with the seasons offers traditional, hearty pub grub with something to please everyone. Starters include chicken liver pate with toast and chutney (£4.25) and, perfect for sharing, ever-popular nachos (£6.75) – an indulgent tower of tortilla crisps covered in melted cheddar and dollops of sour cream, guacamole, tomato salsa and jalapenos. Mains include pub favourites such as sausages and mash (£7.75), with Cumberland sausages, caramelised onions, mash and gravy, and beef, ale and stilton pie (£8.75), which is a generous helping of pie in a separate dish, with tender beef, tangy stilton, ale-infused gravy and carrots, with cabbage, mash and more carrots on the side – really delicious, but it could probably do without the second helping of carrots. There’s also a Cajun chicken burger (£8.50) – a mountain of a burger with juicy chicken, creamy avocado, bacon and melted brie, served with chips and salad. If you manage to save room for dessert, enjoy heart-warming dishes such as sticky toffee pudding with toffee sauce and cream (£4.75).

The Drink
As a Fuller’s pub, you can expect a good range of beers both on tap and bottled. Pints range from £3.50 to £3.75, including Fuller’s London Pride, Carling, Kronenbourg and Honey Dew; bottles start at £3.65 and include Sol and Peroni, and if you’re looking for something other than beer, you can try Crabbies alcoholic ginger beer and Bulmer’s cider. There’s a good list of wines and a particularly nice malbec, reasonably priced at £18.75 a bottle, which is very nice with the beef and stilton pie, and house wine is £4.25 for a 175ml glass, £6.10 for a 250ml glass and £16.95 a bottle. Of course there is also a range of spirits, with all the usual contenders – Smirnoff, Morgan Spiced, Bombay Sapphire and more – and a measure with a mixer starts from £3.80.

The Last Word
Warm, friendly and a great place for a meal for two or drinks with friends, the Whistle and Flute is a lovely pub that’s sure to leave you with a happy glow.

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