Latest reviews for Bars & Pubs in Southwark, London, United Kingdom

The Anchor & Hope - by Busi_78

Busi_78 — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 18:17:12 +0000

Review by Busi_78

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7633 9144

Tags: good value, gastro pub, crowded

Went to the A&H for a quick lunch so I didn't have time to eat a full meal (though I had a taste of my companions') I had the snails with leven(sp) bread and duck fat toast. It was hearty, interesting and good value at Â£7, though it lacked seasoning. My collegue ordered smoked sprats with horseradish, it looked fantastic, wished I'd ordered it as she sent it back for being 'too fishy'.They gracefully took it back (even though she'd poked it!) I had a taste of the terrine served with gherkins which was a great texture and lovely tasting. The salad with goats curd looked a mess and was ok tasting at best. But the service was quick and flawless and I would definately go back with foodie friends and try some of their main course.Went to the A&H for a quick lunch so I didn't have time to eat a full meal (though I had a taste of my companions') I had the snails with leven(sp) bread and duck fat toast. It was hearty, interesting and good value at Â£7, though it lacked seasoning. My collegue ordered smoked sprats with horseradish, it looked fantastic, wished I'd ordered it as she sent it back for being 'too fishy'.They gracefully took it back (even though she'd poked it!) I had a taste of the terrine served with gherkins which was a great texture and lovely tasting. The salad with goats curd looked a mess and was ok tasting at best. But the service was quick and flawless and I would definately go back with foodie friends and try some of their main course.

Windmill Tavern - Best pub in Waterloo? by rich42uk

rich42uk — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 11:29:06 +0000

Review by rich42uk

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7207 3984

Tags: posh, food, relaxed

The Windmill is certainly a hot contender for best boozer in this part of town.

Whilst sometimes very busy, it's never manic and the long-standing though somewhat po-faced bar staff always do a good job of making sure the punters are served in a speedy, fair and orderly manner.

The proximity to so many artsy places (The Old Vic, Young Vic, National Theatre & LWT to name but a couple) means that it's a good place to go after-hours celeb spotting. Legend has it that the portraits on the wall are all of famous folks who've drank in the Windmill in years past though whether that's true or not is another matter!

Beers are bog-standard and after 6pm there's Thai bar food available which, whilst a little bit incongruous, is very good.The Windmill is certainly a hot contender for best boozer in this part of town.

Whilst sometimes very busy, it's never manic and the long-standing though somewhat po-faced bar staff always do a good job of making sure the punters are served in a speedy, fair and orderly manner.

The proximity to so many artsy places (The Old Vic, Young Vic, National Theatre & LWT to name but a couple) means that it's a good place to go after-hours celeb spotting. Legend has it that the portraits on the wall are all of famous folks who've drank in the Windmill in years past though whether that's true or not is another matter!

Beers are bog-standard and after 6pm there's Thai bar food available which, whilst a little bit incongruous, is very good.

Franklins Restaurant & Bar - A Local Gem. by FoodStories

FoodStories — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 20:01:07 +0000

Review by FoodStories

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 8299 9598

Website: http://www.franklinsrestaurant.com/

Tags: cosy, great food, relaxed

Franklins is our local restaurant, a leisurely 10 minute stroll from our front door in fact and oh, how lucky we are. Itâ¬"s been said before and I donâ¬"t mind saying it again, this restaurant is a little gem to have ticking away in such wonderfully close proximity. Franklins is not a fine dining resaurant, it is â¬Üjustâ¬" one that serves consistently good grub and pays attention to detail. Such as good, freshly baked bread and solid side dishes - I always order the seasonal greens and they always arrive perfectly cooked with just the right amount of bite and wrapped in a blanket of buttery goodness, well seasoned and slippery.

this time around, I had smoked quail with raddichio and aioli. The quail was so intensely smoked it left a musky scent even after I wash the mitts I was using to chew every last scrap from its little legs.Fantastic aioli too, not overpowering but good and garlicky at the same time. Franklins has a way with meat - always loads of flavour and bold simplicity.

My partner chose the crab tart, a perfect mixture of brown and white meat - a really strong crabby flavour. The texture of the meat was well preserved too.

For our main course, we both immediately ordered the ox tongue with endive, snails and chorizo. When the dishes arrived they had forgotten the snails and chorizo but the waitress was very professional and,our plates were whisked away with the bare minimum of fuss, arriving back promptly adorned with bits of spicy pig and mollusc. From what we could gather the chefs were very embarrassedâ¬¦

The ox tongue was beautiful, tender and melty with a fine blob of fresh, pungent horseradish on top. The chorizo was a very good one, spicy and rich, coating everything in its delicious oil. We felt the snails didnâ¬"t really add anything though. I donâ¬"t think they really taste of much anyway and you honestly wouldnâ¬"t have realised they were there - apart from the fact you could see them, of course.

We thought about cheese and/or dessert but were too damn stuffed to contemplate it. We ambled the short walk home contented, slightly tipsy and really rather happy, as always.Franklins is our local restaurant, a leisurely 10 minute stroll from our front door in fact and oh, how lucky we are. Itâ¬"s been said before and I donâ¬"t mind saying it again, this restaurant is a little gem to have ticking away in such wonderfully close proximity. Franklins is not a fine dining resaurant, it is â¬Üjustâ¬" one that serves consistently good grub and pays attention to detail. Such as good, freshly baked bread and solid side dishes - I always order the seasonal greens and they always arrive perfectly cooked with just the right amount of bite and wrapped in a blanket of buttery goodness, well seasoned and slippery.

this time around, I had smoked quail with raddichio and aioli. The quail was so intensely smoked it left a musky scent even after I wash the mitts I was using to chew every last scrap from its little legs.Fantastic aioli too, not overpowering but good and garlicky at the same time. Franklins has a way with meat - always loads of flavour and bold simplicity.

My partner chose the crab tart, a perfect mixture of brown and white meat - a really strong crabby flavour. The texture of the meat was well preserved too.

For our main course, we both immediately ordered the ox tongue with endive, snails and chorizo. When the dishes arrived they had forgotten the snails and chorizo but the waitress was very professional and,our plates were whisked away with the bare minimum of fuss, arriving back promptly adorned with bits of spicy pig and mollusc. From what we could gather the chefs were very embarrassedâ¬¦

The ox tongue was beautiful, tender and melty with a fine blob of fresh, pungent horseradish on top. The chorizo was a very good one, spicy and rich, coating everything in its delicious oil. We felt the snails didnâ¬"t really add anything though. I donâ¬"t think they really taste of much anyway and you honestly wouldnâ¬"t have realised they were there - apart from the fact you could see them, of course.

We thought about cheese and/or dessert but were too damn stuffed to contemplate it. We ambled the short walk home contented, slightly tipsy and really rather happy, as always.

The Rye Hotel - Excellent Local Boozer by Litro_K

Litro_K — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 20:08:23 +0000

Review by Litro_K

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7639 5397

Tags: relaxed, gastropub, friendly

This is probably my nearest pub, and it's fast becoming a favourite. Set very close to Peckham Rye, it is nestled between the crossroads of East Dulwich, Peckham, and Nunhead. It offers pretty much something for everyone, in all seasons.

On winter evenings it's a warm, cosy haven, bedecked as it is with fairy lights and boasting large roaring fires. In the summertime, the back garden and bedouin-tent style back rooms become popular late-night hangouts, with the pub even putting on the occasional barbeque. The atmosphere changes with the seasons, from lively festival-esque beer tent to laid-back country-pub Scrabble venue, and I like both.

Their food is excellent, and comes in larger portions than at an average gastropub. The beers on tap include Leffe and Hoegaarden, and they stock the ever-popular Fruli in bottles. You'll pay East Dulwich prices, though, most definitely.

My one reservation would be that as it's such a child-friendly place it can get pretty full of families, babies and loud children on weekend afternoons. But hey. You gotta love 'em, the little darlings. This is (almost) East Dulwich, after all...This is probably my nearest pub, and it's fast becoming a favourite. Set very close to Peckham Rye, it is nestled between the crossroads of East Dulwich, Peckham, and Nunhead. It offers pretty much something for everyone, in all seasons.

On winter evenings it's a warm, cosy haven, bedecked as it is with fairy lights and boasting large roaring fires. In the summertime, the back garden and bedouin-tent style back rooms become popular late-night hangouts, with the pub even putting on the occasional barbeque. The atmosphere changes with the seasons, from lively festival-esque beer tent to laid-back country-pub Scrabble venue, and I like both.

Their food is excellent, and comes in larger portions than at an average gastropub. The beers on tap include Leffe and Hoegaarden, and they stock the ever-popular Fruli in bottles. You'll pay East Dulwich prices, though, most definitely.

My one reservation would be that as it's such a child-friendly place it can get pretty full of families, babies and loud children on weekend afternoons. But hey. You gotta love 'em, the little darlings. This is (almost) East Dulwich, after all...

George Canning - a nice pub by lenalouise

lenalouise — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 19:18:12 +0000

Review by lenalouise

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7274 9977

Tags: food, pub, rugby

This is one of the few pubs in the area that is happy to have some rugby on, even the premiership games (shock shock horror!) so I tend to come here for that reason.

It is a cosy, intimate place in the evenings with low lighting and candles. The interior is typical of the vast majority of pubs you see around these days. Comfy wooden tables and chairs, a decent selection of drinks, good pub food from an open kitchen and friendly staff make this place feel welcoming and a good place to stop off for a relaxing drink.

There is an interesting mix of clientele which is usual for most pubs in Camberwell I guess: nurses/doctors, students from the local art school and nearby King's College Hall and the locals.This is one of the few pubs in the area that is happy to have some rugby on, even the premiership games (shock shock horror!) so I tend to come here for that reason.

It is a cosy, intimate place in the evenings with low lighting and candles. The interior is typical of the vast majority of pubs you see around these days. Comfy wooden tables and chairs, a decent selection of drinks, good pub food from an open kitchen and friendly staff make this place feel welcoming and a good place to stop off for a relaxing drink.

There is an interesting mix of clientele which is usual for most pubs in Camberwell I guess: nurses/doctors, students from the local art school and nearby King's College Hall and the locals.

The Phoenix - Good reason to miss a train by Buraco

Buraco — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 23:21:35 +0000

Review by Buraco

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7701 8282

Tags: food, wireless internet access, real ale

I just realised tonight that this is one of my favourite pubs in London. It's so inconspicuous that chances are you'll never go there, unless you happen to take a train from Denmark Hill.

It has to be the best pub at a railway station in the UK, let alone London and is a brilliant reason to miss your train home.

The place has been refurbished from the original station building. Lots of wooden beams, exposed brickwork and even the original station clock, which is a mighty, magnificent time piece, permanently stuck at around twenty to three.

There's lots of comfy and cozy areas to sit, which give the place a very homely feel. They do fresh juices (I had pressed apple and ginger today) a great range of beers and ciders, very decent pub grub and nuts. The staff are a friendly bunch and the music is usually cool in a chilled out funky way.

It's somewhere to go with a bunch of friends, or to find some solace with a book. In fact the longer I write this, the more I realise there are very few places this good around.

So get yourself to Denmark Hill and check it out.I just realised tonight that this is one of my favourite pubs in London. It's so inconspicuous that chances are you'll never go there, unless you happen to take a train from Denmark Hill.

It has to be the best pub at a railway station in the UK, let alone London and is a brilliant reason to miss your train home.

The place has been refurbished from the original station building. Lots of wooden beams, exposed brickwork and even the original station clock, which is a mighty, magnificent time piece, permanently stuck at around twenty to three.

There's lots of comfy and cozy areas to sit, which give the place a very homely feel. They do fresh juices (I had pressed apple and ginger today) a great range of beers and ciders, very decent pub grub and nuts. The staff are a friendly bunch and the music is usually cool in a chilled out funky way.

It's somewhere to go with a bunch of friends, or to find some solace with a book. In fact the longer I write this, the more I realise there are very few places this good around.

So get yourself to Denmark Hill and check it out.

Lord Nelson - Pub Games Anyone by david_2001

david_2001 — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 04:45:18 +0000

Review by david_2001

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7207 2701

Tags: food, vegetarian dishes, pool tables

I love this pub, it's a local bar for local people without any pretensions.

A boozer that has kept up with times in terms of facilities and services, taxi sir/madam, for what time?

There is even a poker tournament on Mondays with a Â£10 entry fee.

Music is bespoke and played all night via an i-pod.

Mine's a pint and a packet of crisps please.

I love this pub, it's a local bar for local people without any pretensions.

A boozer that has kept up with times in terms of facilities and services, taxi sir/madam, for what time?

There is even a poker tournament on Mondays with a Â£10 entry fee.

Music is bespoke and played all night via an i-pod.

Mine's a pint and a packet of crisps please.

The Fox On The Hill - Wetherspoons with a view by peacefrog

peacefrog — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 11:31:30 +0000

Review by peacefrog

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7738 4576

Website: http://tinyurl.com/yp4wu7

Tags: food, real ale, pub

Most Wetherspoons can be pretty grim places to hang out, but the redeeming factor in this establishment are its great outdoor spaces - kids play area out the back and good views out the front.

Usual cheap Wetherspoons beer and food but at least you can enjoy it in the sun. Most Wetherspoons can be pretty grim places to hang out, but the redeeming factor in this establishment are its great outdoor spaces - kids play area out the back and good views out the front.

Usual cheap Wetherspoons beer and food but at least you can enjoy it in the sun.

The Kings Arms - Always a Great Atmosphere and Great Food by Liss

Liss — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 15:17:56 +0000

Review by Liss

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7207 0784

Tags: food, dj, friendly

I have been to the Kings Arms a number of times now and keep going back - it is so easy to get to, only a few minutes from waterloo station

They serve great value tasty Thai dishes. It is always busy so you may find yourself waiting a few minutes at the bar or for a table if you are eating but it is always well worth the wait.I have been to the Kings Arms a number of times now and keep going back - it is so easy to get to, only a few minutes from waterloo station

They serve great value tasty Thai dishes. It is always busy so you may find yourself waiting a few minutes at the bar or for a table if you are eating but it is always well worth the wait.

The Montague Arms - Beer served by grannies in Stepoe and Son's scrapyard by janie_lou

janie_lou — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 16:27:10 +0000

Review by janie_lou

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7639 4923

Tags: live music, food, independent pub

This is a truly eclectic pub/music venue. The interior is in some ways reminiscent of a pirate's ship, with its candlesticks, skulls, flags...but also of Steptoe and Son's scrapyard: a horse-drawn carriage is stationed at the far end of the pub, filled with tatty board games to which you can help yourself. There's clutter everywhere, and its great.

At the bar you'll not be served by anyone under the age of 65. The lovely ladies pour a great pint and will always have quick natter if they're not rushed off their feet, which they often are as this place can get packed to the rafters on band nights.

The bands vary from ok to excellent, and many making a name for themselves now have played here. Its never more than a fiver to get in, and its cheaper for students as far as I'm aware.

Its not glamorous, there's no heated seating area outside, no telly, and the toilets are a bit grim. But this place is one of a dying breed of unique pubs. Many of the old New Cross drinking dens have been sterilized (Goldsmiths' Tavern, RIP) so visit this place whilst we're still lucky enough to have it. This is a truly eclectic pub/music venue. The interior is in some ways reminiscent of a pirate's ship, with its candlesticks, skulls, flags...but also of Steptoe and Son's scrapyard: a horse-drawn carriage is stationed at the far end of the pub, filled with tatty board games to which you can help yourself. There's clutter everywhere, and its great.

At the bar you'll not be served by anyone under the age of 65. The lovely ladies pour a great pint and will always have quick natter if they're not rushed off their feet, which they often are as this place can get packed to the rafters on band nights.

The bands vary from ok to excellent, and many making a name for themselves now have played here. Its never more than a fiver to get in, and its cheaper for students as far as I'm aware.

Its not glamorous, there's no heated seating area outside, no telly, and the toilets are a bit grim. But this place is one of a dying breed of unique pubs. Many of the old New Cross drinking dens have been sterilized (Goldsmiths' Tavern, RIP) so visit this place whilst we're still lucky enough to have it.

The Castle - by lenalouise

lenalouise — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 22:17:54 +0000

Review by lenalouise

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7277 2601

Tags: club, food, bar

This is a trendy bar which also has food in the day. In the evening, it can get quite busy. There's a DJ on weekends and people usually end up dancing.

The food is generally okay but the dishes that are excellent are the thai mussels with chips and mayonnaise and the minted beef burger. Most of the other things could be missed.

A regular night spot in CamberwellThis is a trendy bar which also has food in the day. In the evening, it can get quite busy. There's a DJ on weekends and people usually end up dancing.

The food is generally okay but the dishes that are excellent are the thai mussels with chips and mayonnaise and the minted beef burger. Most of the other things could be missed.

A regular night spot in Camberwell

Black Cherry - Black cherry by Wid

Wid — Thu, 24 May 2007 14:04:55 +0000

Review by Wid

Rating: 4.00

Tags: restaurant, good value, bar

Love this place. At first glance you might assume some degree of pretension but actually spend some time there and it becomes clear there really isn't. Staff are chilled, not too friendly and don't pretend that being there is their life and they just want to be your friend.

Food - good quality, well priced. Great for a meal and a few sedate drinks. Cocktail list could be improved...but other than that this place really works.
Love this place. At first glance you might assume some degree of pretension but actually spend some time there and it becomes clear there really isn't. Staff are chilled, not too friendly and don't pretend that being there is their life and they just want to be your friend.

Food - good quality, well priced. Great for a meal and a few sedate drinks. Cocktail list could be improved...but other than that this place really works.

The Ring - by ajay

ajay — Mon, 14 May 2007 23:45:21 +0000

Review by ajay

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7928 2589

Tags: food, business, pub

Great pub to go to for a pre-dinner on The Cut drink.Great pub to go to for a pre-dinner on The Cut drink.

Funky Munky - by Pete

Pete — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 13:52:54 +0000

Review by Pete

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7277 1806

Tags: jazz, friendly, food

this place is great - overpriced for camberwell though. had some great random nights in there - not good enough to plan to go though - best to be one of those places you just stumble into later. My highlight was when we found a staircase leading upstairs and they were playing st. elmo's fire - you can't beat experiences like that can you?this place is great - overpriced for camberwell though. had some great random nights in there - not good enough to plan to go though - best to be one of those places you just stumble into later. My highlight was when we found a staircase leading upstairs and they were playing st. elmo's fire - you can't beat experiences like that can you?