The Dog & Bell, Deptford, SE8

This is an excellent backstreet boozer. I can well see why it features on many people's top 10 London pubs. They had five ales on when I dropped in during a weekday early afternoon – ESB; Pride: Archers Best; Nethergate Monk's Habit; and Whitstable Brewery's Pearl of Kent. I had the Pearl of Kent (£2.70 a pint) and the Monk's Habit (£2.60) and both were superb. The pub consists of two bars. The “main” bar is bare-boarded with what looks like original boarding. There was no music playing (bliss!), and an unobtrusive television showing a bowls match of all things. The main seating is provided by what appears to be some re-cycled church pews. The other bar is carpeted, with some normal tables and chairs, and features a bar billiards table. You would certainly not go to this pub for the view – roadworks framed against a backdrop of an enormous brick wall. This is one of those pubs that does not have any special physical features worth mentioning, but whose character and appeal comes from its very simplicity and the welcoming feel that it exudes. There is no doubt about it – this is a top pub with great beer.

A pleasant back street oasis situated on an "inland" section of The Thames Path National Trail. The main bar area has original wooden floors and tables with old church pew seating. The L shaped area beyond wraps around and contains a bar billiard table plus some further more traditional chairs and tables. This area is carpeted and also contains a few reference books and board games. The decor is bright with green panelling and plenty of modern art pictures as well as of the old locality. A pleasant atmosphere with a group of regulars happily chatting at the bar this afternoon. The bar gantry is covered in old beer mats. Pride, ESB, Nethergate Priory Mild, Batemans XXXB, Cotleigh Tawny Owl were the selection, well kept and a first rate spot, well recommended.

CLOSED. Converted to flats (26/02/07)

Old fashioned backstreet local serving up to 4 guest ales (Oyster Stout,Hooky,Wessex Bitter, with Pride and ESB as regular ales on our visit 26/02/07).plus a large selection of Belgium Bottled beers. this is a single bar pub with 2 seperate drinking areas, bar billiards played, friendly staff and a log fire in back room. very nice