Let’s get one thing straight from the start. This Pubspy doesn’t come from Croydon. Next week’s Pubspy might, but this one does not.

I generally try to avoid the celebration of concrete that is Croydon and wasn’t thrilled at the prospect of having to visit one of the town’s watering holes but, thankfully, I was in for a pleasant surprise.

The Dog and Bull in Surrey Street looks like a proper pub. Owned by Young’s Brewery, it’s dark wood and stained-glass windows provide a complete contrast to the other buildings which surround it. No unsightly concrete slabs here.

The interior doesn’t disappoint either, with wooden beams giving the place a cosy feel.

Some good-natured regulars were propping up the bar when I dropped by. I chose to sit at one of the rather inviting leather armchairs which were just too good to ignore. It was just a shame that I left my slippers and cardigan at home.

Once sat with a pint of the guest ale, Hooky, it was easy to get a sense of the history of the area with pictures of bygone days at Surrey Street market adorning the walls. After Hooky, I tried Young’s Special and even a pint of Addlestone’s cloudy cider, after which I found my judgement became a little cloudy too.

However, by that stage I had already learned a few things about the Dog and Bull.

For starters, it’s a blokes' pub. The more discerning drinker will visit the place for a quiet pint, to put the world to rights or relive Crystal Palace’s great escape from relegation.

The younger crowd will use it to kick-start their night before heading to somewhere livelier. The ladies will, no doubt, be attracted during summer by the pub’s massive beer garden, but generally they seemed conspicuous by their absence during my visit.

As for the food, the menu is extensive and offers something for everyone. But music fans will be disappointed – the jukebox was quiet, almost apologetic in its impact.

For those looking to escape the ever-oppressive presence of Croydon’s concrete jungle, then this place may just do the trick for an hour or so.

The Dog and Bull, 24 Surrey Street, Croydon, CR0 1RG.

How the Dog and Bull rates (out of five):

DECOR: XXXX Looks good on the outside, nice and comfy on the inside. Loved the wooden beams.

DRINK: XXX Hooky was good, and you can’t go wrong with Young’s Special.

PRICE: XXX £3.10 for Hooky isn’t bad, £3.65 for Addlestones.

ATMOSPHERE: XX Shhhh, keep the noise down, please.

STAFF: XXX A cheery 'good afternoon' is never a bad thing. So, thanks for that, whoever you are.