The Cat's Back — Restaurant in London

• Important Update *. For the sake of the new owners who seem to be a little annoyed with my 5-star review of their The Cat's Back pub, I will happily clarify my original review, in parenthesis below, so as to not get their backs-up any longer. This is what I wrote:

"Apart from the location, food/drink, service, prices and atmosphere, this place is great! A little jest. Now to the truth of it. I 've spent many a late lunch and many a late night here (ouch!) in great company. The food is just great, unexpectedly great, simple. The beers and wine are a cut above the rest, but most importantly the atmosphere is a reflection of the landlords, and their 'be yourself' and 'make yourself at home' mentality. This is a place where you can relax; a home where you can be yourself or somebody else. Drink, dance, talk, eat and enjoy yourself -- heal yourself(?). A non-apocryphal tale - some years ago now, I traipsed through the heavy snow to eat Christmas lunch here; it was bitter, teeth-chattering cold outside, and I arrived a little early. No one in sight, no smells of Christmas lunch and no roaring fire. Hellooo! Down the stairs came the Landlady, an exchange of smiles, and we both thought 'it's bloody cold in here' . A few glances here and there, then the realization (then the expletives!...) there was no firewood, and today everywhere was shut. The 'snow had to go on' -- together we broke-up an array of bar chairs until we had enough wood for the fire. And then, the night before walked in, hungover and clearly not looking his best, the Scots chef stumbled and stooped his way to the bar. Lunch was going to be a wee bit late; but it turned out one of the best I ever had. Oh, so good times. "Friends are the leaves of the tree of life"."

The new owners say very caringly that there "hasn't been a landlady here for 50 years! " and that I am " clearly somewhat confused".

All of the above IS absolutely correct and true -- but only from the period 1999 -2007, when I frequented it on a daily basis. The owners were Roger and Venetia Martin, (for the new owner's records: the latter, the pub's Licensee) a great lady with great character.

I am very pleased that the new owners were so quick to correct my error by not specifying the exact timeline that this original review refers to, as it offered me the opportunity to re-visit the pub under new ownership.

Unsurprisingly, (to anybody that frequented the original pub during the time of Roger and Venetia) my initial visit to the new pub was underwhelming, thus the new 2-star rating. Both the character and atmosphere are gone. It has become trendy, inventive and groundbreaking. Naturally these new review comments are as conclusive as they are narrow. I can't say anymore, except I might try it again on my return in a month to write a more detailed review of the new establishment. 'Salt doesn't praise itself...

The Cat's Back is a hidden gem in Wandsworth with much more than meets the eye at first. First, It sells Harveys beer. For those who do not know, Harveys is a Lewes, Sussex based brewery making, perhaps, the best real ale in the country. Don't believe me? Well, you'll have to go and try :) Having an outlet in London, tucked away by the river is wonderful. Second, while the exterior may seem ordinary, The Cat's Back has the super comfortable and eclectic 'Lion's Den', on the first floor - a lounge area with overstuffed leather sofas, steamer trunk tables and a cozy fire. Very relaxed indeed. Third, the pub is a sometime haven for Australians with 'parma nights' and Australian 'beer' (ahem). Food figures a lot in the pub, with select events on Wednesdays, including the aforementioned parma, wings night (all you can eat - yummy), and once a month guest chef from the local area. The staff are professional and fun, and I always enjoy going. Very glad to have this little...

What a gem of a pub! They've got everything - atmosphere, great staff, good food and good drink...all for a reasonable price!

Went here a few weeks back for a reunion with an old friend. Instantly had a good feeling when I told the cabbie where I was going and he said, "Good choice!". Even on a dreary evening, the pub has got a great atmosphere. Buzzing, but not too loud, and with good background music. Lots of chatter and it's clear that they've got their regulars (which, personally, always indicates a good pub).

Georgia took great care of the two of us - our glasses were rarely empty, the food arrived in good time (and was delicious!), and it was refreshing to have someone behind the bar who was genuinely friendly and funny.

Was also thankful for her patience while grabbing a photo of me and my friend!

The plan is to go back tomorrow evening for the Film Club and to show the boyfriend that there are still definitely friendly little pubs...