Old Kings Head, SE1

An attractive looking pub down an alleyway just off Borough High Street, it certainly looks the part with it’s hanging basket and etched glass windows, so it was then a bit of a disappointment to get inside and find a rather utilitarian feel with nothing in the way of any charm or cosiness. It’s all one open plan room internally, with pale blue paint on the upper part of the walls and dark blue wood panelling lower down. There was old carpet on the floor and a large mural covering much of one wall depicts the alleyway as it used to be in years gone by. A few further old photos of the locale were hung on the walls. A small fire-place was at the rear, but this did not appear to be in use, whilst several large TV screens were showing a sports channel. A large gilded mirror with the pub’s name on suggests that it only in fact dates from 1979. There was a good choice of beers on tap with Harvey’s IPA, Timothy Taylor Boltmaker, Tribute, Harvey’s Best, Doom Bar and Proper Job. Cider’s meanwhile were Symond’s Founders Reserve and Strongbow.

Accessed down an alley near tube station, although not large, the space inside does seem bigger than you would expect from the outside. A couple of large lovely pictures of the pub/olde London on the walls. The high ceiling means the space is not as comfortable or at least homely as it could be. Corner bar, 3 real ales