Radius Arms, Caterham

Opened in May 2015, this is the first micro pub in the Borough of Croydon and an important addition to Whyteleafe's drinking scene, doubling the number of pubs in the area. The place is set up much like any other micro pub, composed from a single, shop converted room with a tiled floor and a small servery to the rear. Beers are poured straight from the cask in a temperature controlled tap room behind the bar. Blackboards list the beers that are currently available and there is a whiteboard which details those expected to come on over the coming days. Two rows of high tables run down either side of the room and were apparently made from old display cases taken from the Tate Gallery. These are served by high stools and some particularly uncomfortable high wooden benches that were sourced from the Olympic Park. A partly obscured front window allows a decent amount of light into the room and the walls have been decorated with numerous beer posters, a large Young's sign, another sign for South Norwood Post Office, a pump clip collection over the entrance and a long list of synonyms for the word 'drunk'. The pub was doing a good trade early on a Friday evening with a mostly older crowd in contrast to the customers in the Whyteleafe Arms over the road. There were five ales available on this visit, which is pretty good going for such a small venue, although I believe the number can reduce during the week. The options on this visit were Roosters Yankee, Kent Hobnut, Triple fff Moondance, Rudgate Lemon Hopsickle and Crouch Vale Brewers Gold, with the latter costing £3.40 for a pint and in fine condition. To the left of the bar was what I can only describe as a wall of cider boxes, so those favouring the apple were spoilt for choice. This is a good example of the micro pub concept, offering interesting, well kept beers and a warm, welcoming environment in an area where very few other pubs seem able to manage this. I really enjoyed my visit here and I'm sure I'll be back for more in the future.

Official site of The Radius Arms - www.facebook.com

Official site of The Radius Arms - www.facebook.com