Find out how London’s famous pub crawl is connected to the world’s most famous beer drinker Oliver Reed. The late Hollywood legend is probably still known as history’s most notorious heavy drinker, but did you know he had connections to Carshalton?

Reed was born in Wimbledon, and growing up he was a porter at St Heliers hospital in Carshalton. He then went on to star in many movies such as Oliver, Gladiator, Castaway, Tommy, Funny Bones and many more. He’s pictured above with Steve McQueen.

Later on in life Reed purchased The Orangery in Carshalton, situated on the corner of The Square and Brookside.
Continue reading Hollywood Legend Oliver Reed and the Famous Carshalton Pub Crawl

The Greene King Rose and Crown pub has had a recent facelift and looks very smart.

I’ve collected together some interesting trivia about the historic Wallington pub. Craft beers are very popular at the moment, and this was one of the original brewery taps where you could sample locally brewed beer at source…

Continue reading Rose & Crown and the Boorne Brewery Tap

I’m a bit obsessed with history. In my opinion this is one of the most fascinating historical buildings in the heart of old Carshalton village, because it’s a pub that no-one (well, hardly anyone) seems to know about, and it’s barely mentioned in the history books. It’s often confused with The Swan Inn that stood further along the road, but this 18th century building pre-dates that entirely.

What amazes me most is that some of the original building in West Street still stands, unlike many, many others of the lost and demolished pub buildings in the area. It’s one of only 4 old pub buildings still standing in and around Carshalton village – of the 11 old pub buildings that are known to have existed. It was only rediscovered in 2011 by accident, with the help of local historian John Phillips.

Infact I’m so fascinated by it I’ve imagined what The Old Swan Ale House may have looked like if it was still operating today.

Continue reading Carshalton’s Long Forgotten Pub – The Old Swan Ale House