Having just read 2 negative reviews about the pub not being cosomopolitan enough or being intimidated by rowdy Millwall supporters, I decided to try and balance things a little. I was reccomended to visit Whelans for the quality of its Guinness. So I decided to make my pilgramage from Nunhead on Tuesday the 14th of November. I was not let down as it was one of the best if not the best pint I have had in a London pub.....at £3.90 a pint, so I had a few. The barman was very pleasant as were the punters drinking there, and yes it was mainly males of a local indigenous people from years gone by; but I cannot see how that should be a problem and I am sure they have a varied clientele. The pub is down to earth with basic seating arrangements but clean and is pleasantly a throwback to what all pubs in London used to look like years ago . I think their gourmet menu consists of only crisps and peanuts, so it is what I would call a real pub, with no fancy food or fancy inflated drink prices. It has a pool table and a quite impressive outside covered area with benches and seats and is also the smoking area. To conclude I think this pub is a gem with character but it is possibly not suitable for whiney yuppie types who look to seek flaws in everything. So, today which is Saturday, I will pop down with a mate of mine to enjoy the very working class pastime of Karaoke and quaff a few beers!
It is now Sunday, so I have decided to add to the above original comments. I went down to Whelans last night with a friend and arrived about seven. It was already quite lively with a good atmosphere with music then followed by Karaoke. It became very busy but it did not take long to get served as the staff are very attentive and efficient. There was a great atmosphere and the regulars were very friendly and welcoming. Karaoke was fun and I got the opportunity to clear the pub by belting out a couple of songs, but the locals held their ground. All in all a great night out and we left after about 12 or 13 pints maybe a couple more at 1.00am, and got a cab back home which was more than covered by the cheap price of a pint. After last night I doubly reccomend this brilliant and quite unique boozer. The only very slight negative was the music before the Karaoke as it was a little too loud making it difficult to have a conversation. But there is the garden to retreat to if their is a need to get into a debate on the meaning of life or any other discussion that takes preference to having a good time. Woke warning: I do not think this pub is ideal for the pretentious, those who get easily offended or by progressive woke champagne sipping "socialists"........though because the atmosphere is so good, I could be wrong read more