The Old Justice, Bermondsey, SE16

Tris C left this review about The Old Justice

A short walk from Bermondsey tube, close to the Thames and most certainly ‘backstreet’, this dates from the early 19th century, rebuilt in 1934 in the ‘neo-Tudor’ (a new one to me) style to the designs of Sidney C Clark, having just reopened after something in the order of a five-year hiatus. This is also listed on CAMRA’s inventory of pubs with historic interiors, being of Outstanding National Importance; a solitary photo can be seen on their website. To the fascia, there is a Charrington’s sign and four Charrington’s lanterns with their trademark Toby jug depictions above leaded lights; there’s also an – unofficial – blue plaque, proclaiming that Sir Fab used the interior and exterior in his film Give My Regards to Broadstreet.
The interior was slightly molested, but an order was granted to force the developer to reinstate it with perfect attention to detail paid to anything removed, using salvaged materials; it works very well, me not spotting the obvious joins, if any. The overall colour scheme is dominated by the pale wood three-quarter height original pale wood panelling, exhibiting a modern take on the lignum undulatum motif, the ladies and gentlemen’s markers picked out in even paler inlay. Above the panelling is a royal blue scheme then white ceiling; some of the exposed trunking is not a benefit. There are at least three lovely, exposed brick fireplaces, one with an operational log burning stove and Charrington’s Toby logo above, the other two with fantastic painted (or tapestry?) friezes, one depicting a lighthouse, the other a sailing ship. Furniture is simple and traditional, customers are mixed, though mainly no doubt coming from the plush developments that have sprung up here, mainly youngish with an enthusiastic party going on to the rear room, to the accompaniment of a good Bowie soundtrack.
With a beer board to a side wall, advertising nationals, craft keg, along with a cask choice of Old House Bitter, Drop Project’s Choppy, Sussex Best (£2.90 a half) and Lost and Ground’s Spring Protagonist (£3.05 a half), both excellent, served by a friendly barmaid then barman, also friendly.
I thought this was a cracking backstreeter, well worth the effort to find, making for a great double with the Gregorian a couple of minutes’ walk south of here; a wider choice of cask beers could really turn this place into something of a real ale destination in which to spend some time, certain of no more lonely nights.

Rated: 7.5.

On 30^th April 2023 - rating: 7
[User has posted 1985 recommendations about 1951 pubs]