Pubspy has spent far too much of his life cursing the crazy Purley Cross gyratory system that confuses even the best of drivers.

You spend half your time wondering what lane you're supposed to be in and whether or not the guy in front is suddenly going to decide he wants to be in the left hand lane instead of the right and cut you up.

If it all gets too much and you need a drink before a blood vessel bursts, then I recommend The Jolly Farmers.

Located next to the road it's amazing that you can't actually hear any of the horn tooting or cursing once you get through the doors and the atmosphere is so chilled and relaxed that by the time you're ready to go again you are the epitome of calm.

The first thing I noticed on entry was the range of clientele, from the business suits in front of me, to the builder at the bar and the old regulars sat reading the paper (no jolly farmers as far as I could tell though).

The second thing was the rather dated decor.

It feels very homely but could certainly do with at least two licks of paint and a bit of brightening up all round.

The beer was good and the price not bad at £6.30 for a Fosters and a Kronenburg.

There is a lot of entertainment as well with a weekly pub quiz and music from bands pretty much every night of the week.

You can tell it's a family run pub that has kept it's independence which is a refreshing change in the age of the gastro pub.

A taste of home in the middle of a nightmare.

The Jolly Farmers, 7 Purley Road, Purley, CR8 2HA. 020 8660 2076 jollyfarmers-purley.co.uk.

DECOR: * A bit of colour would do it the world of good.

DRINK: *** All the normal beer, real ale, wine and spirits and it tasted good.

PRICE: *** Just about what you would expect.

ATMOSPHERE: *** Very chilled and makes you feel right at home.

STAFF: *** Polite and willing to help when needed. You can't beat service with a smile.