The Five Bells, New Cross, SE14

This is another pub with an impressive exterior, that's seen better days. Note the five bells set in a row along the parapet; that's the sort of investment that you wouldn't see nowadays. But the wall at ground floor level looks anything but attractive, being covered with faux chalkboards advertising BT and Sky Sports, karaoke, quiz nights and the like. Inside it's much as you might expect - a stage on the left behind the pool table, surmounted by a pull down screen, and no decor of note unless you count the Galway flag. But most of the room is carpeted, and furnished mainly with banquettes and normal tables and chairs, but with a trio of tall tables/tall stools in the middle of the room in front of the horseshoe bar. On the plus side, I was a bit surprised to see a handpump with a Doom Bar (£1.60 a half) clip, and that it wasn't there just for decoration, although it wasn't in particularly good condition. But better than nothing I suppose. I didn't see any sign of food or menus. I'm afraid that there isn't anything special about this pub, although the barmaid was a friendly sort.

Randomness Guide to London - Five Bells entry

Randomness Guide to London - Five Bells entry