The Dog & Bell, Deptford, SE8

The Dog and Bell is about a five minute stroll from Deptford station, in the direction of the river - a stroll that is well worth taking in order to find one of South London's finest backstreet pubs. The main bar has dark wood floors, tables and benches, which are offset by green panelling and yellow walls, all of which combine nicely to create a warm and comforting ambiance. A large pump clip collection is displayed above the bar counter whilst some modern art prints and a painting of the pub fill the walls. A TV screen is mounted above the door allowing those sat at the bar to watch French Open tennis during my stay. A second room on the right hand side of the pub is carpeted and mostly filled with standard tables and chairs, although there is notably a bar billiards table at the rear of the room. A few people were sat in here, away from the busier main room and one or two seemed to be enjoying meals from the reasonable pub menu. A small outdoor patio area, covered by a large awning can be accessed from the rear of the pub, although their appeared to be maintenance work going on out there, so I didn't explore properly. There were five handpulls dispensing Fullers London Pride and ESB, Slater's Top Totty (£2.95), Dark Star Golden Gate and Sharp's Doom Bar, all of which are listed with prices on a blackboard at the end of the bar. I tried the Slater's and found it in good shape. The pub is CAMRA friendly, with a table near the door covered in their literature. For anyone looking for a charming traditional pub with well kept beer and friendly staff, the Dog and Bell is up there with the best the capital has to offer. Having poked my head in a few other pubs on my way back to the station, I would suggest that this is by far the best pub in Deptford at present and well worth seeking out if in the area.

Randomness Guide to London - Dog And Bell entry

Randomness Guide to London - Dog And Bell entry