There were fears that the recent closure of Penge’s Late Knights Brewery might spell the end for this rough-hewn boozer, under whose ownership it’s been since opening in 2014. Thankfully, the only effect it seems to have had is the absence of Late Knights beer on the bar, which, with the greatest of respect, is no huge loss.
Instead, across the 16 taps (six cask and 10 keg) you’ll find grog from south London regulars Fourpure, Siren and Gipsy Hill, plus some revered breweries from further afield in the UK; expect the likes of Arbor Ales, Magic Rock and Bristol Beer Factory.
Wise to the calibre of beer geekery that exists in Peckham these days, glasses of all shapes and sizes are neatly stacked up on a set of shelves to the right of the bar, and you’re invited to pick your own receptacle before ordering. So if you’ve always wanted to drink a 10% ABV imperial stout out of a dimpled pint glass, now you can (you maniac).
As well as the familiar scuffed up furniture within, there’s a decent sized seating area out front. Be warned, though – plenty of Peckhamites still prefer their booze out of a brown paper bag, and Beer Rebellion’s staff seem to have given up trying to kick them off their picnic tables.
For wintery months, though, this remains hot hunting ground for fans of great beer. So while the closure of a London brewery is always a terrible thing, there’s at least a silver lining for Queens Road drinkers.