Looking for a nice pub for a book group meet-up?

[Willemdefoeismine]

Hi, just wondered whether anyone can recommend a cosy, laid back pub in the Wimbledon/South Wimbledon/Colliers Wood area that wouldn't be too busy mid-week from 7.30 - 10.00 pm in which to hold a book group? I'm thinking of starting one but just think it's easier to get out of the house so one can chillax!

Might be a bit far but the Crooked Billet on the Common opposite KCS has a much quieter back restaurant room (you can just have a drink.) I've been to a couple of community meetings there.

The Gorringe is good, next to Tooting BR Station and opposite Lidl. The staff are friendly and they have a good selection of wines and beers including an ever evolving selection of real ales not the typical mass produced lagers.

Thanks for those ideas - I've been to the Crooked Billet - although a long time ago - and I do recall it being cosy and snug!

It is lovely - just wish I got there more often!! They also have an (extremely easy) pub quiz night which is well-attended.

When is the quiz night?

Thanks FoxForce5! Worth a recce and a just to check it out, methinks [grin!].

I've also had my eye on The Provenance on Colliers Wood High Street -supposed to be an organic gastro-pub...

I'd say The Prov in Colliers Wood. If you inform the staff they'll probably reserve an area for you.

Thanks for that tip too! What's the Charles Holden like in Colliers Wood? It always looks a bit too busy though?

Charles Holden is okay too. The staff are friendly but it is the most expensive pub in Colliers Wood. Personally the internal decor and layout not as great as The Prov. However it does have a fab garden so really comes into its own during warmer times. Although I think they may have outdoor heaters; if you're feeling brave or need a fag.

The Charles Holden is expensive for a reason. When it was The Victory it was the roughest dive in CW. Unless you had a shaved head, tattoos, beer gut, shorts, England shirt and a dangerous dog you looked out of place in there. So, in order to gentrify the pub they whacked the prices up and called it the Tup. It does good trade now as it shows the Rugby and football which other pubs don't do. So, ok for a once in a while jaunt but unless you want to re-mortgage don't make it your local.

Isn't the Provenance the one with a secret cinema in the basement? A friend went and they put a kids film on downstairs so all the adults could chill. Sounded blissful.
Hey OP, instead of a book group maybe you should start a pub group!

Not that I've been into the Provenance but I think the pub you are talking about is The Gorringe which is near Tooting Station on London Road - that's got a fabulous basement cinema!

Details: www.thegorringepark.co.uk/Home.html

Haydonwomble, you are right The Gorringe does have a lovely cinema in the basement with beanbags. They have kids films scheduled too, sometimes on school days in the afternoon for pre- schoolers, week-ends and school hols.