The Park Tavern, Eltham, SE9

Visited 06/05/26. Visited previously 15/07/19. Good cask offering here, eight hand pumps all dispensing and providing two ciders, the Rhubarb Bob from Farmer Jim’s and the Mango from Lilley’s, and then the Trelawney best bitter from St Austell, the Titanic Plum Porter, London Pride, Oakham Citra, the Ribblehead Bitter from Settle Brewery and Broadside from Adnams. Keg offering of Guinness, Heineken, Cruz, Inch’s, Hofmeister, Benedikliner Weissbier, Thatcher's Haze, Neck Oil, Hawkstone lager, Moretti, Leffe Blonde, Adnams Ease Up IPA and Amstel. Impressive venue, with a small amount of seating at the front and then a walk along the left-hand side to a rear paved beer garden, a decent proportion of which is covered, and staffed by typical patio tables and chairs. Inside is L shaped with the bar counter following the internal shape to the front part of the longer side eventually leading to the rear beer garden. Bare boarded with regular tables on short front side occupied by locals that it was a delight listening into their convo. Apart from the bare boarded skirt along the section of the left-hand end of the bar counter, the longer part of the venue is carpeted and occupied by regular tables and chairs. Walls are wallpapered and lighting is very ambient; sound just chatter of patrons and light Motown backing track. No screens or anything as ostentatious as fruit machines. I was around the average age of patrons, and it is head and shoulders above other venues in Eltham, a real delight.

The Park is a popular and busy traditional pub, with all seats taken inside and its barely 5 o'clock. There is, though, plenty of space outside (the rear is in shade, while the sun hits the front). Back inside, the 6 hand pumps were behind bar blockers on my arrival, but a couple of them were happy to shift aside to let me peruse the options - principally various traditional Bests, as well as a Wantsum American hopped ale. The keg fount carried little of interest, except for a German wheat beer and the modern incarnation of Hofmeister, which was being poured regularly. A fine pint of Wantsum Imperium (not the APA) was a more than fair £5. A good place, though I would have preferred to visit at a quieter time.

Very attractve Truman's exterior,beautifully painted and by far the best building this close to the main shopping area.Lots of original features,some good etched glass ,the L shaped interior is quite modest with the handpumps in the front section,while the long side has a lot of very traditional furniture and a side door to courtyard and beer garden seating.It popular with a loyal band of regulars,mostly mature no doubt attracted by the authentic pub vibe. Six handpumps on the go ,on my trip Fullers London Pride,Timothy Taylor Golden Best,Dartmoor Jail Ale,Rebellion IPA ,Mad Squirrel London Porter and Lacon's Brewer's Series Goody Pale,NBSS 3.5. Friendly bar maids always help and good to see punters enjoying their beer in a convivial surrounding.I would use it again if local.

I thought this was a real find of a pub - as I made my way from Penge to Woolwich on foot. I saw so many derelict pubs on route that this survivor kind of took my breath away. Super handsome exterior with original Truman's tiled signage. Nice patio area to the front to see if I was brave enough to sample eel from the cafe opposite. A covered side patio. The interior looks like a modern take on a classic 20th century pub counter. Beer wise - six cask - and plenty of options, including the lesser spotted Landlord Dark Mild. I went for an Adnams Broadside which was in wonderful condition. A very enjoyable visit and a lovely pub. Catch it whilst you can.