Catford Bridge Tavern, Catford, SE6

A huge cavernous station pub that seems to be modeling itself as a sports bar resulting in a somewhat characterless space. There are several TV screens dotted about plus a single pool table. All handpumps were blank, so no real ale was available, not sure if this is a temporary measure but I suspect not. There were a few commonplace craft beers avaiable from the likes of Beavertown and Camden Town plus all the normal keg stuff. This pub did very little for me and I only called in here because I had an half hour train wait, I'll get my timing better next time.

This used to be an Antic pub, and although that's a few years ago now, it's still got a bit of the look. The original bare boards look to have been well used and battered over the years, although I suspect that the new pub operators may have given the ceiling a lick of paint. The central servery has drinking areas all round it, with some booths, some banquettes, but mainly normal tables and chairs for furnishings. A black and white tiled splash area surrounds the counter. All the tables had a little sprig of flowers on them, as well as a candle. There's some nice fielded panelling on the walls, although unfortunately some of it has now been painted a sort of mushroom grey, as well as a couple of excellent brick built fireplaces. It seemed that everywhere one looked you saw a poster adverising some football match or another, so obviously they're trying to attract the live sport crowd. There were four real ales on, including Sambrook's Powerhouse Porter (£2.10 a half), but was unfortunately not in good condition, the Southwark pair of Best and Bankside Blond, and Brockley Red Ale. I didn't see a menu - although I did see the open to view kitchen around at the back - but a small blackboard behind the counter advertised chef's weekly deals, such as (Monday) "buy a burger and get a second one for £1" (Wed & Sat) "stack of buffalo wings and a pint for £10". It didn't specify what the pint was. This massive "Brewer's Tudor" pub is a landmark on Catford Rd. It's a large area inside, and seemed a bit lifeless - a bit like my Sambrook's Porter. I'll give it another try if I'm in the area, but I don't think that I'll be making a special effort to visit again.

Official site of Catford Bridge Tavern - www.catfordtavern.com

Official site of Catford Bridge Tavern - www.catfordtavern.com

Solitaire Limited says it has "ambitious" plans for the Catford Bridge Tavern with a bar in the centre of the pub, a restaurant and a heated outdoor roof terrace to the rear. A planning application for the new pub is due to be handed in to Lewisham Council next month.

Closed and boarded 18/01/2014

Very prominent Brewer's Tudor establishment, featuring a large rectangular bar and separate lounge and dining areas to the rear. Sparse but attractive furniture and decor. Excellent range from ten handpumps: ELB Quadrant, Tempest Pale Ale, Marble Manchester Bitter, Kent Altered States, Dark Star Sunburst, Sunny Republic Beach Blonde, A Head in a Hat Trilby (£3.40) and three ciders when I visited recently. A bit worrying that the place is up for sale as part of the Antic London shakeup, but much better than I expected (and easy to see how it has won CAMRA’s South East London Pub of the Year award in the short period since the former Copperfield reopened).

Formerly The Copperfield, now purchased by the Antic pub chain and renamed the Catford Bridge Tavern. The London Drinker reports eight real ale hand pumps and two real ciders, so one worth looking up if in the area.