This vast suburban pub on the borders of Forest Hill and Honor Oak was built in the late Victorian era to refresh travellers as well as locals. The stagecoaches no longer pull up outside, so the focus has shifted to local residents, particularly families.
Following a £600,000 refurbishment, it reopened in August 2014 with a cobbled front garden, decked rear garden with children’s play area, and a separate dining room leading off the capacious bar. The menu’s simple and affordable: a brunch menu with fry-ups and eggs benedict, or a Sunday lunch menu of straightforward roasts costing under £15 per head.
The bar, with its plush new wooden floors and comfy mismatched sofas, is arguably the main attraction. On draught there might be St Austell Tribute, Brockley Brewery Pale Ale, Sharp’s Doom Bar or Fullers London Pride. Keg beers include the usual lagers plus Brewdog’s Dead Pony Club.
By Guy Dimond