The Mitre, Greenwich, SE10

Originally a coffee shop, the Mitre opened as a Coaching Inn in 1827 following a major fire that presumably put paid to its previous existence. Today it still serves as a hotel as well as being 2 pubs for the price of one. The interior appears to have once been 3 rooms, now all knocked through although the divisions are still apparent. The main central bar area is fairly long and narrow but opens out at both eneds, one with a homely centrally located with a narrowish area is quite narrow but there are more spacious areas at both ends which both have partly raised sections. The carpets have been lifted top expose rough bare planking with a few large rugs and some tiling around the bar area. There is a good mix of traditional furnishings with some quite alluring leather seating gibving the place an almost opulent feel. A random mix of old portraits, pictures and snippets of great Irish authors and playwrights adorn the walls and the piped music is generally quite unobtrusive if rather bland. The 4 hand pumps appear to offer 2 regular ales (Greene King IPA and Doom Bar) and a couple of guests (Sharps Honey Gold and Hogs Back Summer Ale on my last visit). Prices are as expected for the area although the food isn’t cheap with main courses around £10-16 for main courses. The separate O’Sullivan’s Bar (there is an underplayed Irishness about the pub in general) has its own entrance but the opening hours are limited. It seems to be used mainly as a coffee shop during the day and is only open certain evenings. This is more of a traditional Irish theme bar and there are no ales, just the usual kegs, lagers etc. The customer base has always been fairly civilidsed when I have been here although service can be a slow, even when not busy. The pub is handily placed near all the tourist hotspots and you will pass it if going to/from the station. As far as Greenwich pubs go, I would certainly consider it at the better end of the spectrum.