Old Kings Head, SE1

Being here by the mid-16th century is no surprise to me, given the history of the area and its pubs in general, the current incarnation dating from 1881. It’s quite a large single room, carpeted with some stained glass; a mural of old London Bridge prior to the Great Fire of 1666 and a typical coaching inn’s alleyway covers the left-hand wall, where a modest TV hangs, showing the footie; for once people were actually watching it, which comes as no surprise as this is a very blokey pub – with not one woman – to the point that on entering, I wondered if it was a gay pub, but then gay men don’t dress like the blokes in here. Brimful of Asha on the 45 played at a reasonable level and there are some knickknacks about the place, with a traditional bar array, serving up Southwark’s Mayflower Session Ale, Doom, Sussex Best and Proper Job, at an unacceptable £3.00 a half, though good. With a good vibe, this is quite a nice pub, certainly just about the last traditional boozer in the area, other pubs having all been trendified; I’d pop in here again if in the area, but the down-to-earth air of the place can in no way justify the high prices; the ‘fashionable’ pubs by Borough Market don’t charge this much.

Another decent little pub tucked away from the main road. A good pint of Adnams Ghost Ship. I would happily call in again.

An attractive looking pub down an alleyway just off Borough High Street, it certainly looks the part with it’s hanging basket and etched glass windows, so it was then a bit of a disappointment to get inside and find a rather utilitarian feel with nothing in the way of any charm or cosiness. It’s all one open plan room internally, with pale blue paint on the upper part of the walls and dark blue wood panelling lower down. There was old carpet on the floor and a large mural covering much of one wall depicts the alleyway as it used to be in years gone by. A few further old photos of the locale were hung on the walls. A small fire-place was at the rear, but this did not appear to be in use, whilst several large TV screens were showing a sports channel. A large gilded mirror with the pub’s name on suggests that it only in fact dates from 1979. There was a good choice of beers on tap with Harvey’s IPA, Timothy Taylor Boltmaker, Tribute, Harvey’s Best, Doom Bar and Proper Job. Cider’s meanwhile were Symond’s Founders Reserve and Strongbow.

Accessed down an alley near tube station, although not large, the space inside does seem bigger than you would expect from the outside. A couple of large lovely pictures of the pub/olde London on the walls. The high ceiling means the space is not as comfortable or at least homely as it could be. Corner bar, 3 real ales