The Grange, Bermondsey, SE1

Dating from the mid-19th century, I’ll bet that this place was rebuilt in the 1930s; there’s a very attractive exterior, with long frontal extension and Dutch gables atop the Grange Road façade. Sadly, none of the original interior remains, with pale boarded floor, a wasabi colour scheme with full height wasabi coloured velour curtains with salmon velour trim, black fronted modern bar with pale wood top with a modern wood and mirrored bar back, simple pale wood mismatched furniture, each table topped with a glass pot containing dried flowers. To the left-hand side there are substantial, brash oil paintings, looking a little continental, all lit from spotlights and hanging glass lamps with fluted saucer shades. Spanish or French crooners oozed out of the stereo, the whole experience was like being in a continental wine bar or restaurant. As for dining, it’s a bit schizophrenic on the food front, with burgers clashing with some dishes containing ‘parmesan essence gel’. Of a Saturday, I was the only customer indoors, around eight sat at tables in the side alley, though apparently there’s a rear garden. There’s no cask ale here, with 10 taps from two chrome founts, dispensing the likes of multi-fizz, Guinness and Brew by Numbers No. 5 IPA at a tearful £4.50 a half, served by an almost mute barman. However, it was the first keg ale where I would actually have gone for a refill had I not been on a mission, tasting for once neither ‘juicy’ (like a fruit salad) nor soapy (like a bar of soap). This place is really a bit of a fag to reach and for little reward; the Victoria is the preferred choice in this area.

Official site of The Grange - www.grangepub.co.uk

Official site of The Grange - www.grangepub.co.uk

Randomness Guide to London - Grange entry

Randomness Guide to London - Grange entry