14 Armoury Way,
Wandsworth,
London,
SW18 1EZ
(020) 8870 6771
The ViewLondon Review
Located in one of the oldest buildings in Wandsworth, The Armoury is a proper boozer steeped in history. And ghosts apparently.
The Venue
The Armoury is hard to miss. Positioned within a large building painted in black and white with bold golden lettering spelling out its name in large letters and a sign depicting a ship firing out a cannonball, you can’t stroll past without thinking twice about popping in for a quick pint. A pretty courtyard beer garden is likely to swing that decision, especially if it’s a nice day. Inside you’ll find a typically traditional pub with warm woods and a bar acting as the centrepiece, displaying its large selection of draught pumps proudly. If it’s too chilly to sit out in the garden then a fireplace keeps things cosy and stained glass windows remind you just how old this building is. Despite numerous renovations over the years it’s good to see they’ve kept many of its period features.
The Atmosphere
Apparently The Armoury has a couple of resident ghosts, including a pot boy who’s rather partial to wearing knickerbockers. Seriously. Although if you tell your mates you just saw him they’re likely to take away your car keys and call you a taxi. Other than apparitions you’ll find mainly locals here enjoying a quiet pint. It’s the kind of place you want to while away a Sunday afternoon in. That said, board games, newspapers, pub quizzes, themed events and wi-fi keep you entertained.
The Food
As a Young’s pub, The Armoury offers decent hearty pub grub for reasonable prices. Light bites and sandwiches are available if you’re popping in for lunch or can’t stomach a full meal and they do an entire list of pies. Beef pie, chicken pie, veggie pie… You get the idea. Pie. Otherwise a few simple mains like macaroni cheese and burgers keep the hungry well fed. You’ll be hard pushed to spend more than a tenner so it won’t break the bank. More money for beer then.
The Drink
If it’s one thing that Young’s Pubs do well - and do a lot of - it's beer. Young’s Bitter, Fosters, Sambrook’s Wandle, Kronenbourg, Sambrook’s Junction, Guinness and Stowford Press cider occupy the main draught pumps, with rotating ales providing support. There’s also an excellent selection by the bottle, including Waggle Dance and Banana Bread. It’s no wonder the knickerbockers-clad ghost sticks around after hours.
The Last Word
It’s hard not to be charmed by the history and folklore that surround The Armoury. And if that doesn’t rock your boat the huge beer selection will.
Be the first to review The Armoury...