The Grape and Grain, Crystal Palace, SE19

Open since the end of July, and now owned and run by the ex managers, this is fast becoming the best real ale venue in S.E. lONDON. On my last visit no less than 7 ales and 1 cider on handpulls and two ales on gravity. I have to say all were in great nick, especially the Zingiber from Kent Brewery. This is a must visit for any ale lovers. Great beer, great service and a great atmosphere.

Currently closed. A notice in window states that the landlord is in talks with Jack Beard's (I didn't realise they were still involved) regarding the lease - the Jack Beard's chain having gone into administration.

Randomness Guide to London - Grape And Grain entry

Randomness Guide to London - Grape And Grain entry

The pictures of this pub from March 2009 are out of date, as thankfully this terrible Jack Beard's pub has been closed down, refurbished and reopened as an upmarket gastro/ale pub. The interior suggests that the pub previously had separate rooms, which have now all been knocked through, creating a large open space which dissipates the atmosphere somewhat. The decor is in the classic gastro-pub mould, although the menu is full of fairly down to earth stuff like burgers, sandwiches, Sunday roasts etc... Eight hand pumps were serving seven different ales including Purity Gold, Dark Star Saison, Adnams Porter and Hog's Back TEA. Aspall's Cider was on tap along with Amstel, Sagres and Bitburger lagers. My pint of TEA was very nice, as was my roast beef. There is a seating area at the front now, which was popular in the recent sunny spell and gives views over Crystal Palace Park. The pub seems to be aiming at the upmarket end of the spectrum with live jazz music and even a book club (current book - Brighton Rock by Graham Greene) and this air of pretentiousness could be off-putting for pub traditionalists (menus are printed on the inside of kitsch 80' LP sleeves for example). But the good range of well kept beer and extremely friendly service make this worthwhile investigating and is a welcome addition to Crystal Palace's unexceptional pub scene.