The Boleyn Tavern, E6

An excellent restoration of a splendid Victorian pub, which very much leaves you wondering what is original and what is new. The island bar is surrounded by separate areas, divided by ornate partitions with some superb etched glasswork. The rear billiard room is now the restaurant, but kept nicely removed from the rest of the pub. A real fire with a couple of armchairs proved irresistible. Some good ales also with a highly-drinkable Southwark Bermondsey Best, Purity Pure Gold, TT Landlord and London Pride. There is a fair range of craft stuff also, for those who must. Well worth a visit, especially in an area short of good pubs.

Easy to spot on my evening approach as the pub, which dates from the end of the 19th century, is floodlit. Recently reopened as The Boleyn, following restoration costing £1.5m; I shan't bother to even describe the interior which is one of our grandest; simply look at the photos on CAMRA's pub heritage link (this is listed as having an interior of National Importance) and the pub website's gallery page. I had expected to view the fabulous billiard room (now restaurant), but it was locked, probably so that staff wouldn't have to walk so far to collect glasses and clean tables. The barmaid here was very glum, presiding over a tedious array of Oliver's Island, Seafarer and the horror that is London Pride. There was also Five Points XPA which was off meaning that I was presented with the Hobson's choice of dull Fuller's ales, my so-called Pride (£4.50) spaffed into a glass, the barmaid wrestling the pump like the handle on a one-armed bandit; it was too cold and predictably dull so I didn't finish it. This is a beautiful pub, but what's the point in restoring it if people who make a special trip to see the splendour are denied from doing so? My rating relates to the interior but as a drinking experience, it probably warrants no more than a '3'; all that glisters is not gold. The Denmark up the road is almost as spectacular, has friendly staff and vastly superior beer at far lower prices - I know where I'd prefer to drink.

Official site of The Boleyn Tavern - boleyntavern.co.uk

Official site of The Boleyn Tavern - boleyntavern.co.uk