The Kings Arms, Bermondsey, SE1

Dating from 1825 but presumably rebuilt later in the 19th century, this, as mentioned, is off the tourist track but although customers in here are probably locals, they all seemed to be under 35 and a rather trendy bunch. The place is very quirky indeed, with fancy lampshades looking Middle Eastern, a ‘souk’ theme helped by kilims adorning the boarded floor with Minton-style tiles to the bar apron; furniture is mixed. There are knickknacks everywhere, which include books and a dolls’ house, screwed to the wall. Carved and atop the mantelpiece, there are Four Wise Monkeys, not the usual three, the fourth typically not being displayed; let’s just say that his hands are nowhere near his head. Décor comes in the form of framed prints and cutlery is displayed on tables in a multitude of teapots, alongside candles in wax encrusted bottles; blankets are offered for those drinking out on the pavement, with board games for the bored. I don’t think this is a GK house, but the only ales available were their IPA, Yardbird and Fireside, which as a GK beer, I dared not try, opting for the customary Neck Oil, price forgotten. This is a fun pub, reminding me a little of Vaulty Towers to the west; worth a visit if in the area, but the GK beers, thankfully something of a rarity south of the River, are a bit of a deterrent.

Good-looking Greene King pub featuring a 'L'-shaped bar with a slightly Bohemian, café-style look and feel. Relaxing, 'floaty' background music on a Saturday lunchtime, with several young families brunching. Further seating is available on the wooden benches out front. IPA plus the seasonal Scrum Down and Belhaven Grand Slam (£5.00) available from the three handpumps.

Corner pub with an eclectic interior decor.

Mainly a locals pub, due to its position just slightly away from the tourist trap. The young barman was welcoming and very upbeat and told us that his family have run this pub for quite sometime. Beer wise there were three handpumps with two in use serving Twickenham Naked Ladies and GK IPA, we went for the Twickenham, which was in excellent condition. The interior was quite quirky, with lots of fancy lampshades, pictures, clocks, dolls houses etc. The bar front had a collection of beermats stuck along the front and stained glass in the upper window openings was observed.

A self-proclaimed Gastro pub that goes for the shabby chic look internally. That may work for the lunchtime work crowd in this part of town, but if I was paying £18 for a rack of ribs I think I might prefer to go for some decent tables and chairs instead of the eclectic assortment of tables and chairs to be found in the Kings Arms. They were all right to sit in for a beer though, especially as its location slightly away from the tourist area did mean that it was less crowded than the establishments on Tower Bridge Road. But unfortunately being a Green King House the available beer choice didn’t inspire either. Three beers were available from the GK stable in the shape of GK IPA, Patron Saint Ale and Old Hoppy Hen, then Belhaven Best as the fourth on. As others have said, there’s nothing greatly wrong with this place, it’s just nothing great.

Old pub with a modern interior. Very expensive beer at £4.70 per pint for an ordinary choice.Sausage rolls £4 each.

Official site of the Kings Arms with menu and event details - www.thekingsarmsse1.com