Blacksmiths Arms, Rotherhithe, SE16

As the Smiths, this pup dates back to 1793 but has clearly been rebuilt in the brewers’ Tudor style, probably in the 1930s. It’s also close to Horatio Nelson’s house and it is said he drank here. This is cited on CAMRA’s list of pubs with historic interiors, this being of Regional Importance. Today it’s a Fuller’s pub and there are some old external Fuller Smith Turner lamps, distinguished by their red and green stained-glass banding. The interior is well described below: occluded leaded windows to the front, carpeted with dark wood panelling to threequarters height, with a restaurant to the rear. There’s quite a clubby feel, with conventional furniture and décor in the form of framed black and white prints of the area from yesteryear. Customers were mixed and local, with some vocally displaying a dislike of Liverpool F. C. Ale amounted to just Pride and Seafarer, with two unused pumps, so it was a half of Guinness at £3.00, served by a barmaid who regarded me with suspicion. This is a very nice backstreet pub, off the beaten track and worthy of inclusion of a crawl of the area, taking in the marvellous Mayflower, but the choice of ale is a stumbling block; where’s the Dark Star options?

Official site of Blacksmiths Arms - www.theblacksmithsse16.com

Official site of Blacksmiths Arms - www.theblacksmithsse16.com

Attractive old Fullers pub with the brewers Tudor façade enlivened by a plethora of hanging baskets, located close to the former warehouses lining the Rotherhithe riverside. The interior has a 1930's feel to it, with square patterning to the dark wood panelling and the surviving glazing in the exterior windows and interior partitioning. Layout comprises an 'U'-shaped bar at the front and a dining room to the rear. Pleasantly-relaxed but still traditional, with the obligatory photograph of the Queen Mother enjoying a tipple in 1988. Pride, Seafarers and Oliver's Island (£4.20, and served in the right glass) available from two banks of four handpumps.