Charlton pubs

It’s got the best tapas bar in London, the nicest football supporters and not much else.

The Antigallican Hotel, 428 Woolwich Road, SE7 8SU

The somewhat provocative name brought back to me some bad pub memories, most particularly the Blade Bone in Bethnal Green (with its delightful sign showing someone being hacked to pieces with, er, a blade bone) which was once home to some of east London’s more revolting elements, and which has now been transformed into a noodle bar. The Antigallican, thankfully, is a whole different kettle of drinkers, and has also managed to stave off the property developers. Very laid back and friendly (name notwithstanding), it provides a large, slightly ramshackle drinking area that must have remained pretty much unreconstructed since it was first decorated. Popular with both home and away fans before Charlton matches, it provides several real ales and does food. And just in case you’ve drunk too much and miss the last train home, it’s also a real hotel with real rooms that you can rent out.

Reviewed by Fred Flange, Apr 2007

Telephone: 020 8853 0143

Nearest station: Charlton, Zone 3 (100 metres)