The Blythe Hill Tavern, Catford, SE23

The Blythe Hill Tavern is a popular old school boozer that was approaching busy during a recent Thursday afternoon visit when World Championship Darts via Sky Sports was muted on the televisions and the jukebox was turned off, so there was just chatter in the air, and a few strange noises from the older customers. I entered a small bar with some seating and a counter across the rear that supported two hand pumps that were drawing Dark Star’s Hophead and Harvey’s Best. There was nobody in here, so I made my way through the counter into a carpeted rear seating area and around to the left front where there’s a longer, and thinner, bar with wood panelled walls and a wood panelled counter up one side that faces small tables up the other. Standard and premium keg products were available alongside mainstream craft, and another four hand pumps that were additionally drawing Doom Bar and Greene King’s Rocking Rudolph. I also spotted pump clips along the top of the bar that were advertising seven real ciders, six from Lilleys alongside Sandford Orchard’s Devon Mist. I love an old school boozer, and I’m glued to the darts throughout the Christmas period, so this place was right up my street.

There is no other universe in which I would not agree with the reviews below and the stellar ratings for this lovely venue. It looks so ordinary from the outside, it is ordinary on the inside and the sum of the parts in this case adds up to magical. Don’t get me wrong, I love an Irish oriented pub with the telly’s covering the evening cards, but it is discrete and the distinct areas make for a truly enjoyable pub experience. There were four beers on hand pump, what seems like regulars here, namely Harvey’s Sussex Best (my choice and very well kept), Doom Bar (I would hazard a guess that tastes like the nectar of the gods here), Hophead plus Olde Trip. Was a difficult decision not to have the Guinness here, but already have plans for next visit. The staff were lovely and the old school Irish chap that I assume is the manager / owner you would love to have him as the same in your local. I only stayed for the one pint as there was other venues around I wanted to get to that I hadn’t been to previously. We will all do that and tick off venues but we note and embed the true gems in our own experience and will come back to frequently or not frequently but enough that we honour their presence. This is one for me and whilst the cask choices weren’t imaginative, there is economic reality of what the locals choose and this venue is so much more than choices on a beer spectrum (based on my choice all of which presented tonight woukd have been good). The pot of gold at the end of the rainbow in SE23. At a minimum have already decided I will return to watch the opening day of Cheltenham 2025 and stuff myself with Guinness and Tayto S&V crisps.

Official site of The Blythe Hill Tavern - www.blythehilltavern.org.uk

Official site of The Blythe Hill Tavern - www.blythehilltavern.org.uk

Very much a locals pub albeit a mixed clientel, Young , old and the bit in the middle, it would also seem to be very much a Millwall FC stronghold going by some of the tattoos on the necks of various middle aged guys. As mention before a splendidly unspoilt three roomed pub, all off which were equally attended as was the garden on an overcast but warm day. There were four cask ales on during my visit, Doom Bar (of course) , Harveys Sussex Best, Dark Star Hophead and Adnams Mosaic, I had a pint each of the last two and found them to be competently kept, these were backed up by a standard range of keg with a couple of craft offerings from Beavertown. All in all a very good pub that certainly is worth the ten mimute walk from Catford but I find myself agreeing with the late Aqualungs assessment that the beer offering was a little on the mainstream side of things and as such I wouldn't be enticed to make that particular journey on a regular basis.

Famous from the Deserter Blog and Podcast. If you haven't found those - then you probably should. Never fails to make me laugh. One of those pubs you could arrive at and never want to leave. I kind of wish I hadn't but as it was the first time in the area, I had plenty to discover. Unspoiled interior of three rooms connected by a central bar. Big garden outside. Harveys Sussex Best, Hopshead Dark Star and of course, Guinness. So much going on - with all walks of life contained within. Old Boy, solo drinkers, families, lads, tourists (like myself). The conversations - which you cannot help but eavesdrop - are better than the TV. Loved it. Will come back and spend longer.

This pub and joiners arms are the 2 most properest pubs in Lewisham. Bar staff are the best in London. Always smartly dressed and always go the extra mile for you. Good bar snacks. Footy always on. Garden a joy in the summer. Alround top pub and just what Catford needs. None of your gentlefication; this is just a solid 9/10 boozer.