Duke's Head, Putney  

Always one of the grandest pubs in the Young's stable, the Duke's Head has undergone a refit of late. On the up side, the wonderful cut glass mirrors remain, the service on offer is efficient and friendly and you could even make the case that opening up the basement into a cocktail bar has increased the size of the pub. Unfortunately though, our overall impression of the refit isn't favourable. This used to be a pub in which you felt all of Putney had a stake in: not anymore. Before, the public bar served the need of locals who wanted Sky Sports, a drink and maybe even a fag; the saloon and dining room did the job if you wanted a meal and a slightly different drinking experience. All change now: there's a definite sense that - certainly on our visit - the public bar exists as much as a holding pen for diners awaiting a table in the dining room as it does for punters after a drink. Is this really the way Young's want to run their pubs? We're looking at the watering down of the pub experience if it is.

reviewed:
19/11/2006

pub features:(click on an icon to see an explanation)

function room for hire

outdoor seating

riverside

separate dining area

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