Tucked away on a quiet, handsome residential street between Vauxhall and Stockwell, the Fentiman Arms has been designed by Geronimo Inns to appeal to the neighbourhood’s discreetly wealthy locals.
Upmarket, clean-cut and tasteful, the pub attracts well-spoken City boys and shiny-haired career blondes who’d rather hide out with a decent bottle of wine and a plate of gastropub-type food than face the mean streets of SW8 of an evening.
It’s bigger than it looks from the outside: the pleasing main room extends into a handsome, well maintained garden, and there’s a nice room upstairs available for private hire.
Service can be hit-or-miss, from very helpful to borderline rude; prices are high, but the regulars either don’t notice or don’t mind. Its proximity to the Oval means it’s rarely anything less than packed after close of play; understandable, as it’s the best option within a ten-minute walk of the ground.