The Mansion

  1. Oh dear. Avoid at all costs.
  2. Below expectations.
  3. OK. Met expectations.
  4. I really enjoyed this.
  5. Amazing. Would unreservedly recommend.
  6. rating

255 Gipsy Road, London, SE27 9QY

The Mansion Dulwich is located in a stunning old building and serves up posh pub grub in relaxed surroundings.

Reviews for The Mansion

great pub. great interior. definitly the best one around. All the cool relzed crowd go there

I stumbled across the Mansion last Saturday when visiting friends in West Norwood. I have to say this place has come up in the world since I was last there 10yrs ago.
Lovely decor, the food was amazing, not pricey and the crowd were lovely and sociable. We ended up leaving after the perfect Saturday night from The Mansion. I'm definitely coming back.

Spent the evening there last Sunday and had a great roast beef dinner, the live music was also brilliant...
A great way to spend a Sunday! :)

I went to the Mansion on Wednesday night. I have heard alot about this new place, all very good so my expectations were high and fortunatley the Mansion easily delivered! From walking through the doors you can feel the great atmosphere and the staff greet you in with a smile. The food and drinks menu suits every taste. I went for a burger, which was absolutely gorgeous (not normally a term i use for a burger, but in this case, it was so good i will!)
The rest of the evening we all enjoyed, the perfect atmosphere for a relaxing evening with friends; over great food, good drinks and possibly the best pub in SE London.

Went there for dinner last Thursday and was excellent. A new chef and manager have taken over, very simple food but cooked incredibly well and very friendly service. Would defiantly recommend.

charliem at 18/11/08
Spent the evening there last Sunday and had a great roast beef dinner, the live music was also brilliant...
A great way to spend a Sunday! :)

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This is a nice big pub which still manages to have quite a cosy feel to it - and even better since the smoking ban means that non-smokers aren't restricted to the back room.

We have been here regularly, often to take part in the quiz on a Tuesday night, and we have always enjoyed the food. The menu isn't extensive but does change - although we find the burger hard to resist if nothing else takes our fancy.

I have to say that I preferred the previous decor, which some people thought to be a bit over the top. And it can be a bit pricey if you have more than just a main course - the Sunday Roast in particular doesn't seem to be good value.

But on the whole, this is definitely worth a visit.

The Mansion has recently changed ownership.

First impressions were good. The previous decor was very bohemian, but this is now replaced with a calmer decor (cream and chocolate) and the place does feel very open. Some of the previous features (such as the chandeliers) have been retained, however, that does have a down side. More later.

If reviews were based on first impressions, the Mansion would be a winner.
What a shame that I have to follow up with actual experience.

The staff are just strange. I mean really strange. I think they were trying to do 'banter' but with all the subtlety of a sledgehammer, and it just came across as totally inappropriate. When my friend asked about a particular brand of beer they said 'Oh we don't sell that anymore. It's cheap rubbish'. Then they thought it would be hilarious to call Staropraman 'Strap On Man' which would be fine if it were actually funny, or indeed, if I liked that sort of humour. I hate places that assume a level of familiarity which isn't there.

The food was OK, but nothing spectacular. Horrible chips and the burgers, at almost a tenner each, were not worth it, as they tasted a bit bland, despite the generous size. There were nice touches - the salt and pepper come in delightful little marble pots and the burger garnishes were nice.
My friend tried ordering dessert, and wanted the Rhubarb and Vanilla Crumble (£5.25), they said 'Oh no try the cheesecake it's lovely!'. No, we'd like the Crumble. 'But the cheesecake is to die for'. On the third request they accepted the order.

After finishing the main course, we had to clear the plates ourselves because they'd forgotten, so when he took them to the bar they apologised and said the dessert would be with us in five minutes. After half an hour waiting, we left and went up to the Black Sheep, another pub in Crystal Palace. I doubt I will ever taste their Rhubarb and Vanilla Crumble, because The Mansion is quite out of the way and no longer worth the diversion.

So, the service ranges from inappropriate to intrusive to poor, the food is average, and the decor - well there's just enough of the previous features there to remind you of what a great place the Mansion used to be, and what it has become. (The website now calls the place The Mansion Dulwich, which is tenuous to say the least, but I think that kind of pretension is what the place is all about now). And I miss the bohemian decor.

EDIT: I also note that they charge £75.00 for a bottle of LP Rose Champagne. Interestingly, one of the most expensive bars in London, Claridge's Bar, charges £85.00 for the same. Which one do I think is the best value?

A stunning old mansion house, beautifully restored and grandly decorated. Good range of beers and wines, and utterly excellent food. Very nice place to take friends and family alike. Friendly and good service. Beware you need to book to eat at busy times. Also, it can bit a little more pricey than other pubs in the area but the quality is definitely worth it! Melt in your mouth good stuff.

One of the best places for a relaxed and tasty Sunday lunch - whether just with your book, your loved one or the entire family.

The place has a vibrant, yet unpretentious atmosphere, is very spacious and is divided into three parts: the 'gastropub' bit, with funky and eclectic furniture, the restaurant bit, which looks a bit like a funkier version of Wagamama and the enormous garden.

The really nice, if a bit short menu (their burgers are just fantastic and come with proper chips) is complemented by some cool music and great desserts (the chocolate cake is allegedly made locally and has won a few awards - if that's true, then it did deserve them).

What is also important is the staff - friendly, helpful and chatty. Almost a perfect combination.

Still need to experience the place in the evening, but something tells me I won't be disappointed...

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UK > London > Tulse Hill > Bars & Pubs > Pubs > The Mansion