The Blue Lion

It has a pool table.
It also has a long bar to get served, outside area to stand, does lots of different beers too and very close to a bus stop. Priorities.
If there is a large crowd of you, then its worth going around the back to access the bar.

In town for academic research, and lodging at the nearby Goodenough Club, The Blue Lion will be a go-​to drinking and dining spot for me during my stay. Bright and Victorian in looks (though current location was built in 1936 and survived the Blitz), be warned that like pretty much all London pubs in summer there is no A/​C. Nevertheless, they offer 4 – 6 Cask Ales at any given time, and a decent, tasty food menu with dressed-​up versions of traditional pub fare, made from locally-​sourced ingredients, but perhaps not quite the true London gastropub experience one might get down the road at The Lady Ottoline, or what have you. Most hot dishes between £9 and £12. Mellow vibe, friendly, young servers. Big after-​work crowd too. It is just around the corner from the Dickens House Museum, if you’re in the neighborhood visiting.

This is a pub that is just over the road from work, and is well worth a visit.
Its privately owned and not part of a chain (although I think they maybe own another pub in the area). Its a nice lively place with a good selection of drinks available
First of all the pub its a long bar with an outdoor seating area at the back in the Mews street which can get busy in hot weather. The bar is on the left side and is quite big. There is no Sly Sports, however they have music on.
The drinks they do a great selection of ales and beers, bottled beers and ciders, and there is a good wine list. The beers are more unusual than the regular Fosters and things, but around the same price as other venues in the area.
The food they serve food at lunchtime and in the evenings and the menu changes every week which adds a good variety to it. Its slightly more expensive that some of the other pubs in the area, but is really good quality. Have only eaten here a couple of times on works do’s which were catered well and it was great to see something other than the usual basic curly sandwiches. They really do seem to make an effort
The atmosphere we tend to head here from work as its just over the road, and its usually quite lively in a good way. Thursdays and Fridays tend to be busy, especially at the end of the month, but service is generally pretty quick. I think its mainly office staff in the evenings with some locals in during the day. In the winter they have real fires on, which gives it a really cozy atmosphere. Its a really nice pub that is worth a visit

An OK pub. Fairly upscale, hip. There was a young crowd on my Friday night visit. Four casks, nothing too exciting, and priced above-​average. Dynamic setting. Perhaps worth checking out, but not really for the beer alone.