The Duke, Erith

The Duke of Northumberland (now truncated simply to the Duke) was built in the 1860’s when Northumberland Heath started to become more developed. The shortened name is usually synonymous with a trendy modernized, up-market style pub however anyone expecting any degree of gastro delight and civilized charm may be in for a bit of a shock. The interior is split into a main bar area that bends round the back of the central bar and a smaller carpeted front lounge section. The place has a general lack of aesthetic charm and offers a very functional, plain, rough and ready approach. Other than the personalized windows and an intresting brick arched fireplace in the front lounge there is little that stands out and it seems little effort has gone into making the place feel attractive or welcoming. I was surprised to see a couple of functioning hand pumps (Doom Bar and Courage Best) but they were actually quite decent quality wise and reasonably priced. The barman was also very attentive and friendly however the general behaviour both sides of the bar was somewhat eccentric and a bit raucous that many would find offputting and a bit intimidating. Live music seems to be a mainstay although there were barely half a dozen people present on our visit and the entertainment on offer wasn’t exactly cutting edge. The area isn’t a hotbed for pubs in the first place and the Duke, along with most of its neighbours, is really more of a pop in if passing by place than a destination.