The perfect place for a relaxing pint or two at The Charles Holden

BY BILL LACY

Like a struggling salesman who turns up in an even better car, as a cost of living crisis hits I decide to visit more pubs.

My only stipulation is that they need to be well-chosen, and so following I recommendation I pop into The Charles Holden, a modern-looking pub just outside Collier’s Wood Tube station.

I used to know someone called Charles Holden, so I give a little chuckle as I walk through its doors, but of course this pub is named for the famous architect, who designed the Tube station opposite, as well as many others, in his unique “functional” design.

There are pictures and information about him on the walls.

I learned this pub has only recently been named after him – previously it was the Colliers Tup and before that The Victory.

It is a modern pub, spacious and airy yet low-lit, with dark walls, its glory restored with the original tiling kept at the front.

The atmosphere is relaxed and laid-back, which is the feel they are going for.

They’ve hit the mark, and there is something civilised about enjoying a drink or two in here.

The configuration does not encourage mingling; the tables and chairs are set for a relaxed dinner, and the food is certainly spot-on, modern, British and seasonal (although a little pricey).

A Sunday afternoon pub, as I call it.

It was only a Wednesday, yet I still felt the urge to open a broadsheet and not speak to anybody.

While it was relaxed, at the same time there was something rugbyish about the place. With a large beer garden and some projectors at the back too, it can pack a lot of punters in.

The Holden is operated by Brighton-based brewery Laine Pub Company – I took the opportunity to sit down with one of their, big-flavoured, juicy beers.

The bar is well-stocked, with a few cask options including some local breweries (Wimbledon brewery is only a few minutes’ walk).

Laine operated a few pubs in South London, the most unique probably being the Four Thieves between Battersea and Clapham, part-arcade, part-pub, worth a visit but possibly a bit wacky for me.

Give me the relaxed pub anytime.

Although – one drawback – the meagre change from a £20 for one pint of beer and a gin and tonic reminded me again of the cost of living crisis.

Perhaps one or two rather than the whole afternoon in here then.

The Charles Holden, 198 High Street, Colliers Wood, London SW19 2BH