I absolutely love this pub, which sits right on Denmark Hill's train station. It has heaps of charm and character, from the large (broken) train station clock suspended from the insanely high ceiling, to the interesting light fixtures and comfy cracked leather sofas.
Apparently a fire gutted the station years back, and it was done up inside to become a pub. It hasn't forgotten its surroundings though, as you can still feel the slight shudder when trains pass by underneath, and see the people stepping off the trains. If I lived any closer to Denmark Hill, I can pretty much guarantee I'd be in every every day of the week.
They play really cool electronic music most of the time, but the whole atmosphere is so chilled and relaxed, with really friendly barstaff. Sunday afternoons are the best, when they do roasts and all the people are playing board games or reading the papers near you. Supposedly they show films upstairs on Sundays, which I intend on checking out at some point.
Now, onto the food and drink. The many times I've been here for a drink have been fantastic (they do ginger beer! bliss!), but this past Sunday we actually ate. The menu is really really really good -- so much choice (typical gastropub stuff, mind), and that's before you even start considering a roast. We sprung for a few starters to share, and were really pleased with the fried calamari, potato wedges with sour cream and bacon, and wasabi crab cakes with mango sauce. They were generous helpings too, and cost around £4 each.
I'll definitely be returning soon -- particularly because I just found out that if you sign up to their newsletter, you get sent a voucher for two main meals and a bottle of wine for £20. Sold! read more