My ears were flapping on the train this morning overhearing a group of people talking about the Mansion being taken over. I may have got the wrong end of the stick completely - apologies if I have - but does anyone know anything about this?

I heard it was being taken over by Gordon Ramsey or was it Jess and Laura? Sorry Moderators -It's Friday and I just couldn't help myself.

could you have overheard the discussion about the Bridgehouse being taken over by the Mansion? good news for The Borderlands
"Bridge House Tavern"

If that happens I'll be ecstatic as that is my local - have often thought it's a perfect spot to catch people on their way out of the park

A VN meeting at The Bridge House is looking better and better I think...

I don't know if this post is too late but thought I'd add what I know.

The Mansion originally was just opening a sister pub, The Bridge House, however after receieving an offer they couldn't refuse for the Mansion they accepted. The new owners are the people behind the White House in Clapham. I can't deny we were mortified when we heard both these bits of news as we loved the Mansion (it was one of the reasons we bought our flat!)

The new Mansion is now open after a quick redecoration job. I haven't been inside yet but from the outside it seems they have replaced the bold wallpapers with pale walls and lots of white. We hear that they are planning on extending the bar downstairs, and moving the food to a dining room upstairs. All we can hope for is that they don't try to change too much, as the Mansion was really successful the way it was - friendly, welcoming and quirky with a greta selection of drinks and good food.

I will be interested to hear how it is now.

What's the score? - anyone been in since it re-opened - looking in thi smorning on my way past it looks like all the chairs have been replaced with high backed leather upholstered seats which might give the place a bit of a different feel - not quite the boho chic of old

I popped in last night for a few drinks and I must say my heart sank a little on walking through the door.

They have painted the walls a kind of beige colour above the dado rail, and a slightly darker shade of beige below the dado rail. Also the wallpaper has been removed so it is looking very bland to say the least - the whole pub, including the restauranty area is now just two shades of beige. Also many of the tables and chairs have been removed, leaving empty space - fine if people want to stand up. The piano is still there though. There are some brown leather sofa's (yawn) and some new tables and chairs but the mismatching feel had been lost a bit. The pub quiz was on last night, but as the mic was not working it was moved to the back area so it was hard to tell what the atmosphere was like. Also it was still fairly quiet as I don't think many people have realised it was open again yet.

It just didn't feel like the Mansion to me. This pub was the one of the major factors that made me buy my flat and got me over the fact that I was moving to an area without a tube! Without wanting to sound dramatic it felt like the soul had been taken out of the place. The smell of paint probably didn't help though.

However, maybe the new owners are finding their feet, so I am going to remain hopeful that they will put their own stamp on the place. I haven't eaten there yet and will try the food soon.

hmmm sounds like theyve spent money on the new decor for no reason atall - beige beige beig - oh deary me...... i will hold off on anyting else until ive experienced it for myself.... what a shame....i loved that wallpaper...and its pretty expensive stuff too.....

No one paints their pubs beige nowadways - there is no need to as no one smokes!!!! What's the White House in Clapham like?

White house is OK - nothing that special although I know people that love it. Good live bands though!

In my opinion the White House is a prententious bar/club with expensive drinks, a strict door policy (if you're not 'trendy' enough you're not coming in!) We were so disappointed when we heard they were taking over the Mansion as we did not want it to become like the White House.

We went in tonight for the first time to check it out and.....oh dear Yes, the decor has become various shades of beige (but I'm sure they would call it pale gold!), they have taken a lot of the sofas away and replaced them with much more formal dining room chairs. On the whole there is much less seating than before. The bar staff and chefs did seem to be have teething troubles but it is early days so we'll give them the benefit of the doubt. For a Saturday night it was very quiet and the atmosphere was pretty lacking.

However...the menu was the real disappointment. If you like jus, saffron reductions, quails eggs and black pudding then you'll be very happy! If you like decent pub food - burgers, thai curries etc - then the Mansion is no longer the place for you. There were 6 main courses on offer, only one vegetarian option, prices between £7-£15. They have an extensive wine list with food matching recommendations, but we did wonder if there will be many takers of the Krug for £150!

I know it's early days for them and it will take a while for them to settle in, but we are sad that we seem to have lost a very decent pub and gained a wannabe fancy dining room that also serves drinks.

Oh dear.. We may be trecking to The Rye from now on ... thanks for posting your reviews, its super helpful.. x

A new review topic is now available for The Mansion...

http://www.virtualnorwood.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=5738