Rose & Crown, Southwark, SE1

In a side street off the Blackfriars Road, a 5 minute or so walk away from Southwark Tube Station is The Rose and Crown, a small traditional welcoming Sheps pub. Although you probably wouldn’t think so at first glance, the building apparently dates back to the 16th century. Notably, it’s a stand alone building, reflecting the fact that, whilst most of the buildings nearby were completely flattened and destroyed during the Second World War blitz, the pub somehow survived unscathed. An L shaped bar serves what was obviously a two bar layout once. The larger area at the front has boarded wood panelling and is traditionally furnished with banquettes, wooden tables, bar stools etc. A series of framed photos show celebrities who have dropped in over the years – Darren Gough, Ossie Ardiles etc. We also see that the pub is the Headquarters of the London Branch of the Royal Sussex Regimental Association and various items of interest are displayed. Towards the rear of the pub, there is a smaller more comfortable snug style area with banquettes and carpets and old photos of the area and some of the ubiquitous Sheps war-themed posters. Upstairs is a luncheon / function room – The Crook Bar ( “crook” here refers to the stick used by shepherds and not a gangster / criminal ) There’s a very traditional feel to the place, enhanced by the mahogany bar counter and gantry and huge drape curtains, although on a cold dark winter’s evening, they remained undrawn, as appears to be the trend nowadays. The pub has a good cross section of customers – ranging from local office workers to people using the nearby sports ground or gym facilities. Occasionally you can be lucky and some rather fit looking young ladies from the netball team drop in after a game. In summer months, people spill out into, what, being just over Blackfriars Bridge from the City, could be regarded as a notably large beer garden. I have vague recollections of it as a Courage pub, but it’s now one of Sheps numerous hostelries in the area. On my latest visit, Kents Best, Master Brew, Spitfire and Amber were on, the latter being a beer not seen previously. The Kents Best is a fine pint when on form, as it invariably is here, and, at £ 3.10p, represents what I regard as good value for the area. This pub is well worth seeking out when in the area. Finally, do note that, after years of not doing weekend opening at all, mine host and hostess are now experimenting with Saturday opening from 12-6pm

One of the nicer pubs in the area and it's friendly and comfortable. Once got a cab here in my more affluent days and the cabbie commented that in 25 years he had never been asked for Colombo street.

Hidden away off Blackfriars Road is this example of a traditional English local; A cosy Shepherd Neame pub with Spitfire, Master Brew, Kent Best and Amber Ale on cask. Music is piped in and Sky News on the telly somewhat unneccesarily. Kent Best reasonably priced at £2.85 but something about Shepherd Neame beer, Whistable Bay excepted, just doesn't agree with me; They all seem to taste the same and it isn't a particularly flavoursome taste to boot. Nevertheless, its worth a look as its relatively unspoilt for the area and welcoming.

A small Shepherd Neame pub which nevertheless manages to pack in most of their ale range including a seasonal (I sampled the Porter in here over Christmas). It stands alone in the immediate vicinity, presumably because the Nazis bombed the rest of the nearby buildings during the war. The interior is relatively unspoilt, which means that there's not much room to swing a cat, so a good place to go with a couple of friends but not a big group. Prices are fair and the food looked decent as well. The beer quality was good too. All in all, a good little boozer and I'd be happy to go back.

Randomness Guide to London - Rose And Crown entry

Randomness Guide to London - Rose And Crown entry