The Herne has one of the largest, loveliest and most child-friendly beer gardens in south London, and consequently any mildly clement day will see it packed with local families. Inside, the bar ticks all the ‘fantasy pub’ boxes: real ale, decent wine list, posh crisps, wood panelling, leather sofas, real fire, discreet TV (big events get shown in the garden barn), loyal regulars, live music, a pub quiz… you name it.
The Herne closed for a major refurbishment in 2013, and one thing that got refurbed along with it is the food. All the major bases of pub grub are covered – but there are also streaks of flair uch as broccoli tempura and Oxford Blue brûlée with toasted sourdough. Food highlight of the week for many customers is the hugely popular Sunday roast, a selection of five including fishcakes, all extravagantly garnish with spuds and veg. Brunch food isn't a huge range but it includes some very hearty cooking. The wine list is succinct and fairly priced, but the star on the bar is the changing selection of well-kep cask ales.