Kings Arms, SE1

Randomness Guide to London - King's Arms entry

Randomness Guide to London - King's Arms entry

Most definitely a gem of a pub. No loud music, no loud people, and I like unpretentious sandwiches at £2.00 a throw! When I was in there at lunchtime earlier this week there was what seemed to be a reunion of about eight WWII veterans having a boozy afternoon. I salute them. I will regard it as a great result if, when I reach their age, I can still enjoy a piss-up with chums in a pub as good as the King's Arms. I read somewhere that the arms on the side of the building are the King’s Arms that used to be on the previous London Bridge. I hope that’s true. The barman was friendly and efficient. The ales on were Courage Best and Old Speckled Hen, so not the best ale selections around, but could be worse. It's a very light pub with tall windows, giving it something of an open feel to it. This is a real pub that comes highly recommended by me.

Fairly small but cosy L-shaped pub tucked away pub down a side street and only noticeable from the main drag because the well badged corner juts out. The traditional style interior is quite bright with a Laura Ashley type décor and various old local photos and collectable plates adorning the walls. On the beer side of things, 3 ales available and, looking at previous reviews, things appear to have improved regarding selection; Harveys, Courage Best and Doom Bar on my visit but with the latter at a rather offputting £3.25 a pint, they do still seem to charge over the top prices. The semi-open bar has some Interesting brass spiral lamps and glass holders on the bar. A pleasant enough place with good prompt service and a fairly sedate and respectable atmosphere but the prices are enough to make this just a passing stop rather than an evening session.

L-shaped pub down a side street off Borough High Street. The traditional style interior with a bright flock wallpaper décor complemented by a collection of black&white photos of the local area. Three handpumps on the bar but only Doombar and Harveys Sussex Best were on during my visit, but being on my own during this part of my early evening crawl I managed to bag one of the comfy single seater arm chairs which festoon three of the corners of the pub, and relax. The pub was relatively quite on this early evening, but this was relaxing compared to the early evening scrum in the pubs nearer London Bridge. In conclusion The Kings Arms is fine for somewhere to drop into whilst on your way to somewhere with a better beer choice, but not somewhere I would spend the evening