Given its proximity to HMP Wandsworth, Pubspy entered the County Arms half expecting to find some ex-cons celebrating their first taste of freedom.

But it was clear the closest thing I would get to the wrong side of the law here was a well-paid lawyer who had enjoyed a little too much fine wine.

And the prison guards of course.

I'd been told this old coach-and-horses pub, first opened in 1852, has long been a locals pub and served by the legendary south London brewery Youngs.

And although in this well-to-do part of town it seems the locals might now prefer a Beaujolais to a beer, this is still a cracking pub.

To be fair I only saw one person wearing red trousers, a blazer, and some boating shoes.

First impressions are that it is enormous, a real plus for people who actually like getting a seat on a Saturday night.

Not only is there a massive main bar area, there is also a dining room for those who like a more formal setting for their pub food, and a comfy more modern bar area for those who don't like the more traditional gastropub feel of the rest of the place.

But where this pub really wins is its garden.

It may be that it is just the recent arrival of some decent weather, but sitting there on a sunny Saturday afternoon, enjoying a not totally eye-wateringly expensive pint of lager, I decide this place could certainly be the place to be this summer.

Nicely designed, and with plenty of space, when the barbecue and outside bar open here later this month there should be a great atmosphere.

And they would probably fit in even if you were not wearing red trousers.

Drinks-wise the bar is well stocked to everyone's tastes.

There is an impressive selection of draught and bottled lagers and ales, and many Youngs ales and beers too. There is an extensive wine list too.

There's even coffee and hot chocolate if you are strange enough to drink that in pubs.

For those who want to dine, the food is traditional gastropub fare. Bombardier beer battered haddock & chips and Port braised Lamb shank with dauphinoise potatoes & rosemary sauce sound like they would taste lovely.

Pubspy and his companion leave pleased with their visit - and the promise they will return to enjoy that garden when the sun comes out again.

Must dust off those boating shoes.

The County Arms - 345 Trinity Road, Wandsworth Common Décor XXX Nice traditional feel with a great garden.

Drink XXXX Something for everyone. Has some of PubSpy’s favourite beers.

Price XXX Not a complete rip-off but on the pricey-side.

Atmosphere XXX Busy enough to have some atmosphere, but still enjoy a quiet drink.

Staff XXXX Polite, helpful, friendly and attentive.

www.countyarms.co.uk