Trafalgar Tavern, Greenwich, SE10

This is another Greenwich pub that I’ve been to many times over the years, but tend to favour when the sun is out and you can utilise the outside benches which line the River Thames at this point. But, unlike the Gypsy Moth, I actually do like the interior of this one which has some character and is well described in reviews below. But, when the sun shines, the KSP of this one is the outside bench seating to the front of the pub and the additional seating that stretches down the Thames Path, providing excellent views of the river. So, earlier this week, blessed with a fine weather day, we headed for the exterior benches and Lady Luck smiled on us as a riverside bench seat for six had just become available. We swerved the friendly attentions of the members of staff who patrol these outside seats with their iPad taking food and drink orders for the customers seated on the outside benches, and one of us headed up the bar. If you are eating then it may make sense to utilise the outside staff and pay the additional service charge. But if you are only drinking and capable of carrying your own pints then it’s better to head up the bar, especially as, due to the guys working the outside tables, the bar itself was empty and we walked straight up and was served almost immediately for both rounds we stayed here for. The bar supports six hand pumps, all in operation for our visit, with Adnams Ghost Ship, Broadside and Spring IPL, Wantsum Brewery Victory APA and Trafalgar Kent Best Bitter and Moor Beer Co. Illumination Pale Ale. We tried three of them during our stay and they were in good nick and priced just under £6 for the pint, which seemed to be the going rate for Greenwich. Yes, it is extensively aimed at the tourist visitor to Greenwich, but even for a resident Londoner it’s a decent stop for an alfresco riverside pint when the Sun is out.

On the Thames Path and right next door to the Royal Naval College I was concerned on the approach with all the Union Flags on display ,and I picked my way past a lot of external bench seats to look at the interior. It's quite opulent with a side snug,a very long bar and seating below the large shash windows which open in good weather to give great river views,especially impressive at high tide.At the far end of the main room is the Nile restaurant and throughout there are lots of references to Nelson and his famous victory. On my trip the real ale options were Adnams Ghost Ship and Explorer (£3.20 half,NBSS 3.5) along with Nelson Brewing Trafalgar Best and Admiral IPA. The food menu showed a clear tourist premium and several punter including me inspected the prices then failed to order.The muzak was overly loud and seemed out of place but it will always be busy so does anyone care ? The flatscreens were off but may indicate some sport once the tourists have departed. Worth a look but I would not base myself here for an extended session.