Peckham pubs

Not reviewed yet.

Want to review it? Ah, the urban bar, that thing of myth where multiracial funky people hang about all day reading Jacques Derrida while drinking Belgian beer and Argentinean Syrah, which when encountered in reality is full of preening fools with silly hairstyles, busy attempting to cover up their public school backgrounds with about as much success as a Guy Ritchie gangster film. But at last I've found one: a bona fide super-cool urban bar, one with a pool table, one that plays Funkadelic's Free Your Mind, one that offers me delicious pizza, a rolling selection of real ales and all manner of bar snacks to throw myself at. An urban bar squatting in the ruins of an old man's boozer, wooden panelling still wrapped round the walls, wonky ceiling still intact; an urban bar in the uber-groovy neighbourhood of Peckham. To my own surprise, and against my usual bias, I'm completely sold on the relaxed atmosphere, friendly staff and regulars in this tightly-run, well-cared for, community-based pub. Solid gold. Not reviewed yet.

Want to review it? Peckham suffers from an image problem. Its name is synonymous with crime and urban deprivation ranging from the fictitious lovable rogue Del Boy to black on black gang warfare. Away from the media sensationalism, daily life goes on as it does elsewhere in working class areas of the capital. The walk south from Peckham Rye Station along Rye Lane takes you past shops selling Afro-Caribbean produce. The delicious aroma of food being cooked contrasts sharply against the stink of putrid rubbish. There is sense of vibrancy and community that is lacking in many of the more affluent boroughs. On approaching the Common the environment changes: the shabby is replaced by the smart and there is a distinct whiff of affluence about the place. The pub nestles comfortably in this alternative Peckham and occupies a prime location overlooking the Common. It is just as impressive on the inside - period fixtures and fittings with a modern twist. The only criticism is the lack of a pub atmosphere. It seems more akin to a hotel bar in here. The sign outside advertising the place as a "Pub and Dining Room" rang a few alarm bells at first, but although this is an unashamed gastro pub (there is even a photograph of the chef with Antony Worrell-Thompson), there are enough decent beers for the discerning drinker and all of them are well-kept. The main bar is non-smoking which is great if you happen to be eating here. Smokers are banished to the marquee at the back which, rather confusingly, is reached through the door marked "Ladies". The marquee is indeed a big tent full of tables and chairs. There are gas heaters to keep the chills away and the pub cat (a giant fifteen-year-old moggie) keeps guard. This space is apparently where all the action is as it is used for quizzes and music events. The staff are friendly and in the summer you can visit the Common across the road. All in all it's a good pub.

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