Greenwich Tavern, Greenwich, SE10

I’m not sure what this pub is called either, although the most prominent sign I saw said ‘Greenwich Tavern’, so I’ll go along with that. This seem to have changed quite a bit in here since the previous review, as I found the place to be a pleasant enough, if rather formulaic, pub. The interior is based around an L shaped servery with lots of bare floorboards and two distinct seating areas. From the corner entrance, there is a raised seating area to the left with a lot of padded banquette and low stool options. To the right of the entrance, the room narrows into a long, thin section between the bar and front windows, where a single banquette and a number of tables and chairs have been placed. There are black and white pictures on the walls which seem to show scenes from the neighbouring Park, whilst a TV screen was showing the England vs. France Six Nations match. A door with an image of a tree on it leads out to a garden area which I didn’t explore. There was a good mix of customers on my Saturday evening visit, ranging from rugby fans to couples of all ages enjoying a meal. I didn’t have much hope for a decent beer in here, but was pleased to see three Adnams ales on hand pull – Gunhill, Ghost Ship and Kristal White. I tried the Ghost Ship, which was in good condition and was going down nicely until the barmaid cleared my drink away whilst I was in the toilet. Thankfully she’d only put it on the bar and was able to retrieve it with many apologies. There is no doubt that there are better pubs in Greenwich than this one, but I thought it was a fairly solid place and would be okay to pop in for a quick one after a day spent in the Park.

Greenwich Park? Greenwich Tavern? It was the Greenwich Inn this week but will no doubt be something else next week. It was originally called the Gloucester but of course it isn’t in Gloucester and it isn’t in a park either but there is one virtually next door. As for Inn/Tavern, that must have caused a few headaches. If it were up to me I would call it something a lot simpler but more descriptive regarding its lack of merits. It looks fine from the outside although the lanterns in the windows do seem to give off some sort of seedy undertones. Internally it is a spacious L-shape with a lengthy bar area and a large raised sofa section at the front. Health & Safety people may take issue with the rugs that easily slide underfoot on the floor surface. The place is less of a pub and more of an ambient clubby bar with dim lighting and flickering candles, modern art and funky house music (sounded like a 70’s porn soundtrack to me). I get the impression that this is more of a late night place and there were barely half a dozen people for my mid-evening visit. The beers are expensive and unimaginative with no Real Ales. Despite the expense (£3.60 for a pint of Murphys) you will receive your change on a plate for the expectant tip. My tip would be to walk past.

Has re-opened again and is called Greenwich Park.How long it will last who knows.