Charles Holden in Carshalton

Ah, let me tell you about The Holden – it's one of those pubs that just hits the mark for a good time without any fuss. From what I've gathered from the reviews and their website, it's got this warm, welcoming feel that makes you want to settle in straight away. The staff are brilliant, always on hand with a smile and quick service, which really makes the visit memorable. You're spoilt for choice with the drinks – a great selection of beers, craft ales, and cocktails – and the food doesn't disappoint either, especially those pub classics and Sunday roasts that folks rave about. Plus, with live music every Saturday and sports playing on big screens both inside and out, there's always something going on to keep things lively. The beer garden is a real gem for relaxing with mates, and it's lovely that they welcome dogs too, making it feel even more inclusive. On the flip side, though, the app they use for ordering can be a bit of a headache – not the most straightforward, so you might end up waiting or getting a tad annoyed. And if you're planning an evening that stretches late, remember the garden shuts at 10:30pm, which could cut things short on a chilly night if the heaters aren't playing ball. Overall, it's a place I'd recommend for a balanced mix of good vibes and decent value, but it's worth keeping those little niggles in mind to set your expectations right.