The Spread Eagle, Croydon — Restaurant in London

A south London staple perhaps undergoing an identity crisis.

I wouldn't call myself a regular but for several years now I have been stopping by once in a blue moon for a drink or two. It was one such occasion the other day when I attended seeking a good libation. My most recent visit prior to this had been in early August.

Since August there appears to be a new Governor running the show. I was greeted at the door by a smiling waitress who offered to bring my drink to my table. This struck me as odd; a nice touch for some I'll warrant, but I like the experience of going to a proper pub, walking up to the bar as the bartender cleans glasses, it's a part of that romantic ideal of an English pub. Regardless, the service was excellent. The staff were relaxed, friendly, and fast, they even charged my mobile phone for me.

Drinks prices were quite dear but I already knew that from my previous visits. The real shock however came when I ordered a beef burger and it came with about 10 chips. At the price I paid I dread to think how much I paid per chip. I found myself buying a sandwich from the nearby fast-food chain to sate my appetite.

The pub ambiance was relaxed; I adore the dim orange lights and snippets of local history adorning the walls, and the staff make you feel right at home.

Overall I adore the spread eagle for the outstanding service; I have been coming for many years and shall for many more, however, I doubt i'll be ordering food again. Hopefully the prices abate soon, then my visits might become more frequent and...

I have lived locally for many years but a few nights ago was my first time to enter this pub and I was pleasently surprised at how well kept and clean it was. The staff do a fantastic job of keeping their customers happy and the interior well maintained. The interior is beautifully designed classic pub....lots of wood curved but with a clean bright modern twist. There is a top floor which I did not explore but I assume one could hire that part for a private function area. This pub would be a great destination to watch sports on their wide screens, so many beers on offer but also to have a meal as they serve food but I cannot comment on that part as I did not eat, however I am tempted to return to try out a dish on my next visit. One comment from a friend was why pubs do not serve room temp guiness any more and this establishment is no different.....perhaps that is something they could look into.

Properties with public bathrooms I tend to dread as often you can smell them before you have entered them but I was pleased on how well maintained, odorless, with a nice touch of good quality soap and hand cream on tap in the ladies.....sorry fellas but I can't comment about your facilities. I can't say it's the best pub in Croydon but certainly in the top range of beautiful traditional pubs in the area, certainly...

What a crying shame. Though by no means a regular I used to like to come in for a meal and a drink on my own. I did not know the whole food set up had changed. Tonight I was met by a Thai lady who showed me straight to a table, did not explain that I should have bought a drink first. In fact she couldn't explain as she had no English. She left me for far too long with the menu. Being on my own I was 'tied' to the table with the bags I was carrying. A gentleman at a nearby table took pity and went to find a waitress to take my order, but not before explaining that I should have bought my drink first as the bar and the Thai food operate as separate entities. So I would have to pack up my belongings and struggle from the tight corner where I had been seated (classic treatment of a single diner!) just to get my drink. Thai lady came back to my table, couldn't understand my question about drinks so had to get a colleague. I couldn't hear 2nd Thai lady over the overload rugby on the TV and so couldn't explain anything, but by now I'm starving and still haven't ordered so I gave up and left.

Sadly disappointed remembering how the food and...