It’s a bit like stepping into a history lesson when you pass through the doors of the Skylark.

Everywhere you look, dotted around the walls, are bygone pictures of Croydon, aviation paintings and images and historical facts about some of the town’s landmarks.

My personal favourite was an old newspaper report about an elephant show, perhaps the oddest thing I have yet seen on my travels but, for me, quirky equals original, and that’s more than can be said about most pubs these days.

After Pubspy’s last trip to a Wetherspoon boozer I wasn’t exactly expecting big things but the Skylark was a bit of a surprise.

Inside, the pub is cavernous. Spread over two floors it has old-fashioned booths, plenty of seating and a grand-looking staircase to the first floor, which has a large circular overlooking the main bar.

Trouble is, on a Monday afternoon, the pub was largely empty bar a few regulars loudly discussing the merits of a hat.

So no problem finding a seat – or getting served – but it did feel a bit like racketing around in a mansion.

If you’re looking for a place for a quiet pint the Skylark fits the bill. It’s a good place to stop off before moving on to a livelier destination.

Skylark, 34-36 South End, Croydon, CR0 1DP

How the pub rates out of five:

Decor: XXXX An old-fashioned feel to the pub but it’s cosy with plenty of seating.

Drink: XXXX There’s a good mix of lagers and ciders on draught as well as guest ales.

Price: XXXX £2.15 for a pint of Wychwood’s Elderwych is not to be sniffed at.

Atmosphere: XX It was fairly quiet apart from a few regulars having a vocal discussion about a fetching-looking hat.

Staff: XXX Prompt.