The Wheelwrights Arms, shoppers' retreat and ale-lovers' haven, sits snugly on the corner of Clarence Street, Kingston, opposite the Virgin megastore and the massive Wetherspoon's, looking more than a generation older than its neighbours in brave red brick with hand-painted sign.

I visited on a Friday, early evening, and the pub already had a fair crowd, a mix of Christmas shoppers enjoying coffee and the after work crowd sinking a few beers, plus a scattering of locals propping up the bar.

A family concern, the Wheelwrights is owned and run by Mick Sims; his brother Alex is assistant manager and mum Pam is behind the bar. The weary-looking landlord explained that his wife, Amanda, was upstairs looking after the newest member of the clan eight-month-old Rebekah.

Since taking over three months ago, Mick has gone out of his way to smarten the place up. This being my first time in the Wheelwrights, I can't compare old with new, but it's a comfy place, with soft yellow walls, magnificent oversized beams and a rich dark wood bar decorated with brass coloured lamps with art deco shell-pink shades.

The walls are decked-out in old pictures and photographs in a hotch-potch of frames giving the impression of somebody's living room.

The furniture is tasteful, with minimum fuss, in good nick and about to be improved further next year when Mick undertakes further redecoration.

Being bang in the centre of Kingston allows a roaring trade and when I'm told the pub is packed at lunchtimes and Friday and Saturday nights, I can well believe it.

Food is served during the day and cooked upstairs by Mick, a trained chef. On offer is a selection of reasonable priced pub-fare, including a tempting sounding chilli burger, rump steak, sausages and a large selection of freshly-made sandwiches.

Mick also prides himself on his top ale selection and is keen to feature locally brewed guest ales. At the moment it is Chiswick-made London Pride, before that it was Young's Special from the ever-popular Young's brewery in Wandsworth.

Regulars come for the home-made close-knit atmosphere which is evident despite the large number of passing trade and something possibly lacking in the nearby chain-pub.

One regular, who comes to the Wheelwrights about three times a week, said: "I come here for the beer. There's a quality selection here for real ale drinkers."

Another regular complimented the interior and the traditional decor. He added that it was a friendly place where a warm welcome was guaranteed.

It's pleasing, in such a hot-spot, to find a place away from the drizzle and the frog-marching hoards of Christmas shoppers.

Conversation flows as freely as the ale, and while I didn't hear punters singing along to the juke box , I wouldn't have been surprised if I had.

The Wheelwrights Arms is at 60 Clarence Street, Kingston. Tel 020 8547 2990.

by Tracy-Lee Driscoll

November 30, 2001 14:31