The Windmill on the Common

Whether you want to sop up the last dregs of a fading summer or kick of a new one - the Windmill on the Common is one of London's classic seasonal pubs.

Situated in the middle of the Common, allegedly on the site of an erstwhile windmill, drinkers gush out of the doors onto the grass outside. Picnic rugs, plastic glasses and pink faces are the order of the day.

Inside the pub has never been a world-beater – nasty carpets and solid wood in the traditional mould. The interior underwent a refurb during the summer of 2006 and the new decor has freshened things up a bit. But the sheer hangar-like proportion of the place means it’ll never be buzzing.

The food has been similarly ‘spruced’, but regrettably the result is pseudo-gastro slop. The recipe for which states- take bog standard pub grub, add one sprig of herbs and tomato compote, finally serve and charge twice the price.

On the drinks side, we couldn’t fault the range of beers on offer. We can never resist a pint of Young’s. And the wine list wasn’t half bad either, offering something to suit every taste, and plenty of choice by the glass.

So, in a nutshell, either come here in the summertime to enjoy a glorious day in the sunshine, otherwise expect an unremarkable experience.