The Eardley Arms, Belvedere

This was originally the Lord Eardley Arms according to the coat of arms on the corner of the pub. There are three doors into the pub, so presumably into the saloon and public bars, and possibly a jug and bottle bar as well. The door into the vestibule on the left is still signed to the saloon bar. The doors into the ladies and the gents are very old, as is the bar counter front (the countertop is more modern), but whether they are old enough to be original fittings from when the pub was rebuilt in 1860 I'm not certain - but they could be. I reckon this pub may have improved a bit since Roger's visit over seven years ago. It's carpeted, with mainly normal fixed bench seating and tables and chairs, and with only a couple of tall tables/tall stools. The pool table has gone, and the place appeared to be clean and well looked after. There's a large screen TV of course, as well as a jukebox, plus some outside in a small garden on the left. There's only one ale on - Doom Bar which in fact was in good condition. I didn't see any sign of food on my early doors visit on Wednesday. This looks like a straightforward locals' pub. I for one am glad that it's still surviving.

Named after a family of local landowners, the first Eardley Arms was originally licensed in 1801. The current pub was rebuilt in the 1860’s. The pub promises much from the outside with much of its traditional Victorian exterior unspoilt. Once inside however you realize that this is little more than a run of the mill pool/footie/karaoke joint aimed at the less adventurous locals. The pool table takes pride of place in the centre of the floor and there is little in the way of seating, just a few tables and banquettes leaving much of the internal area standing room only. There are a few noteworthy features nothing appears to have been done to ensure they enhance the general décor, the covered up fireplace being a point at hand. There is also some outside benche seating. The pub seems to be a place that would only really attract a select group of regulars and probably not a place for weekend evening unless you fancy battling convrsations against the music and getting dazzled by the mirrorball. The 3 TVs were showing a mix of Sport and Strictly Come Dancing on my visit with the jukebox managing to out muscle both. The beers are quite mundane with 2 ales, Courage Best and Spitfire, across 3 hand pumps although to be fair, quality was very good and prices pretty reasonable. In short, it has all the basic functions of a pub but not much to hang around for and my own recommendation would be a swift pint before heading for the far superior Prince of Wales opposite.

Randomness Guide to London - Eardley Arms entry

Randomness Guide to London - Eardley Arms entry