In October 2007, this spacious Victorian pub in an almost comically isolated spot behind Lambeth Bridge was spruced up by new German owners. They retained the ornate central bar, but the periphery was reupholstered in black banquettes, and the walls were painted matt black.
A few German flags brighten up the pub – not something you would have seen in the middle of the last century, when this part of Lambeth was heavily bombed by the Luftwaffe.
The main attraction, of course, is the list of German beers, which contains few familiar names (Beck’s is about it) and covers most styles, from aromatic weiss varieties through light pilsners to darker brews. Occasional beer festivals further increase the variety.
The food is just as Teutonic: schnitzel, sausages and other hearty fare constitutes the lion’s share. The bar’s popular with German expats, who gather to watch Bundesliga matches on two big screens.