The British call them jogging bottoms, Americans call them sweatpants, chavs call them wicked and I call them atrocious. I am, of course, referring to that awful piece of clothing that is attacking our high streets like a hungry parasite, those grey saggy jogging trousers, or whatever you like to call them.

They really don’t go with a black leather jacket, but fair play to the chap who thought it was just the thing to wear at the Winning Post in Sutton the other day along with a brand spanking new pair of bright white trainers. It takes some guts to go out in public like that. Gok Wan would have a fit.

For those of you who don’t know it yet, the Winning Post is the new name of the Red Lion, that pub down the bottom of the High Street where waifs, strays and the odd wizard congregate outside while puffing on 10 fags at once.

You’d expect to find a pub with a name like that in Epsom perhaps, a town with a rich racing history, but not Sutton.

The borough’s bookies may do brisk business every day, but that’s about the only link between Sutton and the Sport of Kings.

I arrived at the pub early in the evening, just in time to catch a repeat of the 4.55 from Ludlow on the large-screen television. So I bought a pint of Greene King IPA (£2.50) and sat down to watch the gee-gees in action. I can’t say I was thrilled. Bored, yes.

Like many people, apart from a flutter on Derby Day I am just not interested in horse racing.

The pub has recently been revamped and obviously a lot of money has been spent giving it a fresh lick of paint, shiny wooden flooring, comfortable sofas and new tables and chairs.

However, the clientele was a bit on the shabby side.

Oh, and the choice of real ales was a bit of a non-runner. I only saw Greene King IPA on draught although there were a few lagers on tap, if you like that kind of thing.

It’s not all bad though. The pub is handily sandwiched between Asda and a kebab shop, and there is a bookies just a few doors down for those who feel inclined to throw more money away.

If I’m honest, I'm not sure the Winning Post is a winning idea. The old pub definitely needed a makeover, but this place will have to go that extra furlong if it’s to become a firm favourite with Sutton’s punters.

Call it the Winning Post, call it what you like. To me, it will always be the Red Lion. After all, the name is set in stone on the gable at the front of the building itself, ‘The Red Lion – built 1907’.

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The Winning Post, 265 High Street, Sutton SM1 1LD

Decor: XXXX The pub looks nice enough on the inside, although I wish I’d worn my sun glasses for all those nasty neon notices on the windows and walls.

DRINK: X One star for Green King IPA.

PRICE: XXX £2.50 is very good. Even I can’t argue with that.

ATMOSPHERE: X If you like to sup your ale surrounded by a host of quirky characters then this is the place to be.

STAFF: XXX The lady who served me was very friendly.