The ES Pub Of The Year 2002

This review was first published in March 2002

The ES Pub Of The Year 2002

Our Pub of the Year competition has charted many reversals down the years, but few have journeyed back from the mortuary as triumphantly as this Balham landmark, a short stroll from both train and Tube stations.

In the Seventies, it was known as the Deadford, a drinking and dealing warren for hookers and gangsters.

Irishman Paddy Gallagher reversed the rot during a 23-year reign for Scottish and Newcastle, and its transformation into the spectacular success of today is down to the energetic Chris Scholey and his Pocket Pub Company, which has a 30-year lease from Unique.

With the Bedford (and its sister pubs the Tim Bobbin in Clapham and the Bohemia at Clifton, Bristol), Scholey has found his vocation - and a brilliant team to work with.

What did our judges like so much? "A terrific service to the locals," said Sir Tim Rice, only his chairman's gravitas prevented him from joining in the line-dancing class.

The Bedford is home to the Banana Cabaret Comedy Club (the original springboard for Al Murray and Eddie Izzard) with four acts on Friday and Saturday nights; it is also the place to head for if you like accoustic music, salsa, swing dance, jazz - and a magician called Mr Lolly to divert the kids at Sunday lunchtime.

"I'm going there for needlework classes next week," said judge Jonathan Yeo, "and possibly to learn Serbo-Croat."

Don't think that means you can't get a quiet pint. As I talked to Scholey, a chess game was in progress near the fire, and a couple of teachers seemed to be catching up on their marking in the corner.

Edward Sullivan summed it up for everyone when he said: "The Bedford is doing what a pub should be doing - serving all aspects of the community. It is one of the most amazing pubs we have come across in this competition."