Pretty much as close as the Young’s chain gets to a bar rather than a pub, this huge place by Stamford Bridge is quite singular given the traditional bent of its ownership. First-time visitors will discern little from its bland, black frontage facing a church. Within, though, mirrors hang from baroque-wallpapered walls and Victorian lighting adorns the ceiling, the interior stretching right back to a raised area and garden behind.
Along with the regular Young’s beers, there are wines and even – another surprise for a Young’s operation – familiar cocktails (cosmopolitans, mojitos).
The food extends to scampi and chips, chicken goujons, steak ciabatta and Sunday roasts. The soundtrack is usually provided by the chat of the matey locals, but there are board games for quieter nights.