The Stanley Arms, SE16

Where once there were many and substantial docks just to the east of here and situated on the edge of Southwark Park, this place dates from the mid-19th century, embellished with an attractive heraldic pub sign including the Isle of Man’s ‘triskelion’ device, explained by an association with the Stanley family. What’s not so attractive are the Union Jack flags, lending a rather tribal nature; equally unattractive is the state of the exterior which is starting to look really rather shabby, the peeling blue and white colour scheme a nod to the pub’s Millwall affiliation, no doubt. Not to judge a book by its cover but as mentioned, the interior is very smart and tidy, carpeted, summed up well below, the fireplace of note and especially the commanding bar array with the name in gilt lettering to the parapet (see photos) and an interesting internal display case, a shrine to Elvis, the Millwall devotion amplified by mounted signed shirts to walls, otherwise black and white framed prints. Thankfully with a Heart transplant comes a jukebox, with a good soundtrack featuring The Fifth Dimension (Aquarius), Beach Boys and others from the era. Customers amounted to just four others of a Saturday night at 9.43, two enjoying some earthy banter with the friendly old-school landlady. There’s still no cask, just three unused pumps, with a pint of Stella at £5.20. It’s hard to rate this pub: the interior gives a fine boozer, but the lack of cask (and customers) is a real pity, as with a good selection this could be a minor destination; as mentioned below, someone is having a go here.

II wasn't expecting much on the walk to it, via some post-war council flats. However the interior is pretty good with a very impressive old curved wooden bar with the pub’s name in gold leaf on the gantry, a tidy blue and white colour scheme including the squared box ceiling along with some wood and glass dividers breaking up the banquettes. Notably clean and tidy. Mute Premier League football and local radio on the speakers. Three unused pumps so a half of keg Caledonian Three Hop had to suffice. Only two other punters in which was a shame. Someone is having a go here and I hope it keeps going – getting an ale in and turning the radio off would help.

This pub looks attractive and imposing as you approach it, being a large, stand-alone, and well maintained building. Some of the doors, most of which are unused, bear the names of their previous guises – public bar, snug bar, function room. Inside it’s comfortable and clean, being carpeted and furnished with a traditional fit of banquettes, normal tables and chairs, a few small stools and the traditional tall stools at the bar. The servery is unusually circular, or perhaps oval, and the woodwork here all looks to be modern replacement, although the refurbishment that introduced it certainly seems to have been handled sensitively. The walls and ceilings are all painted a light dull blue, which looks OK in here for some reason. Décor consists of a number of black and white prints, many featuring The Beatles, plus a nice Coca Cola mirror. One nice feature is the marble fireplace on the left, complete with tiled panels. On the downside, a radio was being played, but more importantly there was no real ale, with just keg versions of John Smith’s and Courage Best (£3.40 a pint) being available. I reckon that this is a decent locals’ pub and is good for a comfortable sojourn as long as you’re not fussed about the absence of real ale.