Pub 36, Day 12 – The Springvale

By Andy

Some people will tell you that The Springvale is the runt of the Commonside triplets.

Those people will say that it fails to offer the range of beers that The Hallamshire House does, and doesn't serve the quality of food which can be found at The Closed Shop.

They probably don't know about The Springvale's selection of real ales, ranging from the classics to the obscure.

They certainly aren't aware of its terrific Sunday lunches, which pile more food on to a plate than I thought possible.

In fact, The Springvale completes the Commonside trilogy – like Back To The Future, each instalment brings something new to the table.

A stunning photo of The Springvale, by Gordie Cavill

A large pub with an excellent view over the city, The Springvale lacks a touch of the quirkiness which characterises its nearby rivals. While this is not in itself a bad thing, the glossy decor can sometimes remind you that it's part of a chain.

It does however possess one crucial attribute which elevates the pub to 'Revisit' status – a 50p pool table. Joining such esteemed company as the Star & Garter and The Royal Standard, the half-price games ensured we stayed for many more pints than planned. Our beer of choice was Fuller’s Front Row, a refreshing session ale which models itself as “the perfect pint for any rugby occasion”, but was equally enjoyable during a frame of pool.

We hogged the table all night, evenly splitting six frames. Not bad for £3.

Springvale Pool Score: Andy 3-3 Rob

Pubquest Pool Score: Andy 33-23 Rob

Pub: The Springvale (1 Commonside, S10 1GA)
Rating: 7.5/10
Pint: Front Row 
Brewery: Fuller's (London)

NEXT UP: Shattering preconceptions, at The Bath Hotel...