Sick of the usual hustle and bustle of Croydon, SD ventured out into Coulsdon for a more laid-back drink.

On the recommendation of a friend, SD arranged to meet a drinking partner at the new(ish) Pembroke - well, not so new anymore but definitely a new destination for this drinker.

Forking off the main high street of Coulsdon is The Pembroke, a large pub that could be described as cavernous was it not for the huge amount of seating inside.

Huge windows at the front tempted SD and friend to choose a table next to them and gawp at the passers by.

Seating extends far back into the pub and SD's friend, who lives nearby and has visited a lot, said it was rare to be stuck for a seat even on busy evenings.

The owners of The Pembroke, a Barracuda Group pub, have created a cosy atmosphere with big, comfy sofas and seats, warm colours and modern decoration.

It's owned by the same group as Purley's Rectory and has a similar feel, although maybe slightly quieter with its further from central Croydon location.

As SD and friend settled into a large window booth, many other lunchtime customers arrived for a pub lunch or a midday drink to help the afternoon along.

A penniless and detoxing SD decided to stick to the soft drinks this time, but admired the range of beers, wines and spirits behind the bar.

For a chain pub, The Pembroke has an enviable food menu - it may be nowhere near gastro pub, but it's good pub grub that can't fail to cheer anyone on a lunch break or looking for an early evening accompaniment to a pint.

SD's friend was tempted by the salmon and crayfish pizza from a separate pizza menu, while SD wolfed down a sweet chilli chicken wrap and fries.

Being rather greedy, a deliciously gooey baked camembert was also shared.

Although staff at The Pembroke are generally very helpful, SD's only complaint was an extremely long wait for food - it seemed the order had been taken to someone else's table.

This spoilt the lunch a bit and was a pain to have to chase up, then meant spending far longer there than planned for.

But The Pembroke is now SD's friend's local and is apparently not regularly beset by such problems.

If SD was less lazy then more regular trips to Coulsdon would be made to visit The Pembroke.

But SD was left wondering how often a pub this size in this location is full enough to justify the space it takes up.

The Lowdown

Style: Modern take on traditional

Cost of a pint: Around £2.50

Cost of a glass of wine: Around £2.70

On tap: Guinness, Becks Vier, John Smiths, Stella, Fosters, Carling, Strongbow, Bulmers

Service: Helpful when asked, but didn't notice how long we waited for food to arrive

Verdict: A reliable choice for a pub with a good atmosphere

Address: The Pembroke

12, Chipstead Valley Rd,

Coulsdon,

CR5 2RA

Tel: 020 8763 0800