The Ancient Foresters, Bermondsey, SE16

Presumably taking its name from the mid-19th century’s Ancient Order of Foresters, this is a mid-19th century pub but probably rebuilt in the 1930s and for Watney’s, one of their large roundels to the west side along Galleywall Road having disappeared by 2015, not so two small roundels to either side of the left-hand ground floor window. An obvious Millwall supporters’ pub, judging by a sign referencing the New Den, otherwise, the previous reviews sum the place up well, seemingly unchanged in exactly 13 years to the day since the first was submitted. A red colour theme with carpet, raised area to the rear geared up for possible musical events, presided over by a large black and white photo of the Rat Pack, a framed montage of elderly customers above the bar with an overall time warp feel of drinking in a pub in the ‘70s. At 9.30 on a Saturday evening, there were just a couple of lost looking customers (tickers?) having a swift half then no-one else aside from me, the very old-school landlady announcing that the pub would shut at 9.45 which is a bit tragic; and this place is supposed to host live music events on a Saturday night according to CAMRA, not to be confused with the Heart FM (or similar) music radio playing in the background. A lack of cask resulted in a half of Stella (£2.55) which was quite welcome after my warm evening walk. This is an interesting throwback to a bygone era, but the lack of cask is a shame; can this place really survive in what is a pub graveyard?

This place doesn’t look much from the outside as it is on a busy road by a railway bridge and the three picnic tables outside look as though they have been sitting there for twenty years through all weathers. I wasn’t expecting much when I walked in and the three locals sitting at the bar delighting in Noel Edmonds trying to make someone opening random boxes interesting didn’t really surprise me. However, I was surprised to see a stage adorned with Rat Pack art and more pictures around the pub of three of the legendary crooners. This is probably where the advertised karaoke is performed and I’d imagine that there is live music due to the pub set up. There is another bar on the left hand side of the pub which was quieter due to the plasma screen being off and the fact that I was the only person in there. It was good to see a dartboard in an impressive case on the wall and there is also a pool table in an adjoining room. There is no real ale in here, but the Guinness was good and the service was friendly enough. I would pop back in if passing, but not at a time when Millwall are playing at home.

Randomness Guide to London - Ancient Foresters entry

Randomness Guide to London - Ancient Foresters entry