The Latchmere

The Latchmere is a pub in Battersea that's full of surprises. Refurbishments have meant that the rooms have assumed a new atmosphere. Unlike many other pubs undergoing the grueling process of an enthusiastic new management with little regard for character, the Latchmere was redesigned by Renaissance with a focus on its traditional roots. The wooden surfaces were polished up and the walls bedecked with the kind of eccentric posters and framed prints that would not go amiss on the set of a Victorian London period drama. They cater to a wide audience of trendy types, families and post-work drinkers, and they even have an 'alfresco snug' (whatever that is it sounds great) if that takes your fancy!

This pub's menu commands also commands lot of respect for its boldness with flavour; as such the offering of black pudding scotch eggs are a must-try, as is the Pork Platter. Drinks and food are sourced locally; specialty meats come from animals reared on the management's own Hampshire farm and there is a good selection of ales from nearby breweries to keep regular customers happy. 

The Latchmere also draws a large pre-theatre dining crowd because of the directional Theatre 503 setting up shop upstairs 30 years ago, which means enjoyable cocktails like a lychee bellini can be seamlessly incorporated into a night of culture. Their productions include reappraisals of 80s and 90s scripts, however they specialise in new writing, so watch out for exciting talent-filled visions being enacted right above the Latchmere's 25 litre gin balloon hanging from the bar ceiling.