Originally called the Buck's Head, the pub was rebuilt around 1898/1900 and was operated by Hoare's Brewery until 1933 when they were taken over by Charringtons. It was renamed in 1990 to the White Lion of Mortimer when it was taken over by Wetherspoons, who had the pub until 2018.
I visited the pub on Sunday 26th July 2020. Of the three entrances two are now in use as a one-way system for covid.
The entrance is now on the side of the pub opposite the Mitcham Islamic Centre. There is a hand-cleaning dispenser on your right as you go in and a table in front of you with the sign-in sheet for NHS Test and Trace.
The corner entrance is not in use, and the exit is now the double doors at the south eastern part of the pub, which leads on to the streetside seating area. There is another outside seating area at the back, but that doesn't have access to the street. Seating space is limited, and used mainly by smokers.
You order at the bar where striped tape is placed to show which parts of the bar not to use. There are signs asking you to not stand at the bar after buying drinks. Cards are accepted for payment as well as cash.
The local history displays, a feature of Wetherspoons pubs, remain on the walls and there is an interesting mixture of local celebrities and old time photos. The carpet is also a Wetherspoon unique patterned one.
Drinks prices are very reasonable.
Photo is of the building in 2017 (when it was a Wetherspoons) which shows the...
Read moreIt stopped being a spoons pub according to the current bar staff some 5 YEARS AGO. Is someone awake at JD'S an keeping abrest of the pubs in the Web. I'm offering my services to do the job of updating the mobile phone app in return of a few pennies. Come on guys where has the dynamism and leadership gone. I thought the move to get Jaipur on was brilliant and a proper beer glass as well. Now come on socks up and resume leadership duties. Well done getting other admin issues sorted ie WiFi 👏 much improved and also glitches on the table ordering as well. Im 👀 watching out to see if more staff training is going to happen. Your staff should at least get the basics. No knowing the difference between cask and keg beers is basic stuff but I'm finding that few of the staff are aware. Overall school 🏫 report is that must try harder. It all stems from the leadership. 🤩...
Read moreTracey has been fantastic. We have been trying to sort a venue for our mum's wake. Tracey and the bar staff who took the call were very helpful and got the tone 'just right' for us. Tracey provided photos of food she had recently prepared for a party and was prepared to hand make all the food, including everything having a vegan option. She sent a WhatsApp tour (I am based in the Midlands) and a proposed menu to me on the next day. The pub was very accommodating about my brother's disability when he visited and we really can't fault the people. Eventually, we chose another venue as we needed a car park for elderly/disabled relatives who are attending but if you are thinking of approaching the pub for a small 'do, I would say go for it. Highly recommended by us and a definite for a drink when I am down that way again....
Read more