The Oval Tavern, Croydon

A gem of a pub! I first drank here in 1991. I worked here under Graham 1 when it was a blues pub and it was a unique experience and pub. Now it is under new ownership with Esther at the helm. The last, clueless, owners almost drove this pub into the ground but what a turnaround. Original regulars have returned (always a good sign) but it is not a case of recreating what has gone before.
Esther is slowly but surely putting her own stamp on this little place and every week it seems to get better and better.
FOOD: this place could soon be a destination just for the food. I'm not talking gastro pub pretensions, I'm talking good, home cooking. The all day breakfast is quite simply the best I have ever had anywhere (home made bake beans, bubble and squeak etc etc..)
WINE: Now stocks better wine than when I worked there, good selection of reds (dunno about the whites coz I haven't had any)
BEER: Usual selection of lagers on draft plus Moretti? Italian I think, never had it.
ALES 4 ales on the go usually. Not sure what the CAMRA rating is for the real ale, to be honest I have tasted better kept ales but unless you have a moustach and deer stalker they should satisfy.

10 Nov 2013 15:58