The Brunel, Rotherhithe, SE16

Friendly and slightly quirky corner pub with a garden. Two hand pumps with two Wadworth beers on at the time of my visit : Horizon and 6X. My half of the latter was pretty decent (NBSS 3.5, £6/pint). Points of interest include several ferns in hanging baskets and a small scale model of a VW camper van. Music was quiet enoght to allow conversation, loud enough to be listened to. As predicted by the previous reviewer, this pub seems to be "massively improved with real ale on".

Known as the Adam & Eve until 2015, this pub is situated at the corner of Brunel Road, the pub dating from 1803, with this incarnation dating from 1913 and sporting some rare external Wenlock brewery regalia. The interior is carpeted and overall, there’s a pubby feel to the place. Flanked by rainbow flags, there’s also a very fine bar back, with etched, gilded and painted mirrors, sadly the woodwork painted pale grey. Furniture is conventional, with some Chesterfields. Lighting was low and unfortunately there were several TVs on, showing multiple sporting events with the sound up, so that we could hear not just commentary, but also adverts; it didn’t make for a good environment, especially given that they vied for attention with a brightly flashing games machine. Customers were local and very mixed, and although our visit was made on a Tuesday, the pub and garden were full to capacity. Despite the website’s boast of Cask Marque accreditation, there was just one unused pump, me opting for a half of Neck Oil at £3.30, served by a friendly barman. This isn’t a bad pub at all, but it would be massively improved with real ale on and real TVs off, because as things stand, if you want a better locals’ pub with real ale – of sorts – the Ship is a better bet. But then of course there’s the Mayflower…

Official site of The Brunel - www.brunel-rotherhithe.co.uk

Official site of The Brunel - www.brunel-rotherhithe.co.uk