Forest Hill pubs

Not reviewed yet.

Want to review it? This spacious old style South London tavern has enjoyed a makeover in recent times, with a teal coloured exterior. The interior is dominated by large TV screens, showing sports from around the world, however football is clearly the favourite amongst the clientele. At the rear of the bar is a large room with a giant screen. The selection of beers is unremarkable - however I enjoyed a refreshing Stella shandy and my partner was complimentary about her coke on our Sunday afternoon visit.

Next to the pub is "Bird in the Hand Passage" which gives an idea about how long the pub has been on the site - this is no fly by night theme pub.

Overall, the friendly feel to the pub is enhanced by a gritty undercurrent which gives the drinker a feeling that it could all go off at any time... The mottled glass and peeling paint that constitutes the outside of this pub did not bode well. Nor did its position on Stanstead Road, among a dreary collection of shops and houses marking the thrilling procession between Forest Hill and Catford. I took a deep breath and entered, not expecting much in the way of conviviality or enjoyment, and was surprised by the humdrum conversation and the sheer number of people sitting inside. It turned out that I had unwittingly stumbled across one of SE London's finest; a family run affair interested in the basics of good pub-keeping. Lovingly maintained traditional decor - all wooden panels and gentle lighting - and three cosy rooms wrapped round a central bar immediately help it to stand out from the norm, and being asked three times within a minute - each time by different staff - if I was being served certainly added to its impressive, immediate impact. A friendly, lively crowd seemed happy to chat to anyone who passed through the doors, the owners' kids sat at a table doing their homework and the whole place rumbled cheerfully on through the evening. A few interesting real ales on offer, quiz nights on Monday and pretty much a full house every night, this is a deservedly popular establishment. Recently refurbished gastropub next to Forest Hill train station. Excellent lighting in the shape of big sixties orange lampshades complement sinking leather sofas and plain wood tables and chairs. Not an original look, pub a decent one. The bar has a limited selection of draught beers and lagers, but does have a complete and very passable wine list. I particularly recommend the Rioja, which provides a good backdrop to catching up with a friend after a long day at work. The Arms has a restaurant at the back, which I have not sampled, but looks a tad overpriced. On my first visit, the bar snacks were truly scrumptious (tasters of the restaurant fare), but on subsequent visits, the quality of these has dimmed, although a combo of chips and fishcakes still works a treat. Be it a quick visit on the way home from work, a weekend wander, or a nip in after an evening in town, the Arms lend Forest Hill a touch of class in the pub stakes. Once a member of the Hobgoblin pub chain, somewhere along the way this pub tuned in, turned on and dropped the goblin. The result is a low-lit, oddly painted and rather endearing mess, the continued presence of Wychwood beers making the experience not quite fantasy-free, while stand-up comedy and music gigs occasionally thump into life overhead, and the barmaid, apparently hyperactive due to lack of nicotine, spouts a continual stream of disconnected pythonesque nonsense as she serves, all adding to the rather rich oddness of the experience. Large windows give a splendid view of all the goings on in downtown Forest Hill. Giant traditional pub standing out on its own, boasting a huge bay window and little railway tracks etched on some of the tables. The management have decided to keep things interesting with quiz nights (Sundays), live music and karaoke, as well as the usual football blah on a large screen that's easy to ignore should you want to. Seasonal Shepherd Neame ales make for a good selection of beers, plus it has the usual pub food options. Pool table, darts and quiz machines for those who need distracting, and a large number of tables dotted about for those who just want to drink. Decent, unpretentious local crowd and good-natured bar staff make for an excellent pub.

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