The Long Pond, Eltham, SE9

Official site of The Long Pond - thelongpond.co.uk

Official site of The Long Pond - thelongpond.co.uk

Excellent example of a micro pub, and filling a need in a publess area. Two adjoining rooms with a bright feel, helped by a fair amount of light wood. The small bar at the back fronts a cooled stillage room with an enticing array of barrels, while the long passageway to the toilets is stacked with an equally impressive selection. On this visit it seemed to specialise in Old Dairy beers, but quite a good range on offer. Worth seeking out.

This micro-pub is larger than it initially appears because there is a second room (decorated as more of a lounge) down a step at the back of the more expected alehouse-style main room. There is a small counter here, but all the real ales are served on gravity from the cool room. I found a choice of six - mostly from Kent breweries - including a splendid Red Spider Rye from Pig & Porter (£3.60).