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Detail Pages
The Grape and Grain, Crystal Palace, SE19
SE19
SE19 2AA
Reviews (Current Rating Average: 8 of 10) see review guidelines
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Dick Bright left this review about The Grape and Grain
This pub just gets better and better. I counted 9 ales and three real ciders on my last visit.
The quiz night on a Thursday is legendary and the music on Sundays is a joy. If you are anywhere near South London make an effort to visit !
On 1st December 2011
- rating: 10
[User has posted 2 recommendations about 2 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Rex Rattus left this review about The Grape and Grain
It certainly looks like real ale is king here. As the previous reviewer said, there are invariably seven ales on plus a draught cider during the week, with two further ales behind the bar dispensed by gravity at the weekend. I was in there during a midweek lunchtime, and of the seven ales on none were the usual suspects. I had a superb pint of Mordue Workie Ticket (at £3.20 a pint), and among the others I noted Hogsback RIP, Adnam’s Spiced Winter Ale, Purity Pure gold, and something from Oakham Brewery. They do food at lunchtime, but not until 1.00 PM.
As you enter there are some sofas on the right near the fireplace, a couple of tall tables and stools near the window, but the majority of furnishing is normal tables and chairs. I didn’t see any fruit machines or games machines, but I did spot a dartboard at the back, as well as the now rarely seen bar billiards. It’s clearly been given a makeover since its seedy days covering numerous previous incarnations – I remember it as The Crystal Palace Hotel – and although I’m not a great fan of pub makeovers, I think that it has made an improvement in here. I spoke to the landlord, and he struck me as committed to the delivery of decent ale to his customers in a comfortable environment. I reckon this place will be a success, and I would be very happy to visit again.
On 25th November 2010
- rating: 8
[User has posted 2606 recommendations about 2520 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
very wellinformed left this review about The Grape and Grain
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.
On 23rd November 2010
- rating: 10
[User has posted 30 recommendations about 19 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
train man left this review about The Grape and Grain
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.
On 24th July 2010
- no rating submitted
[User has posted 412 recommendations about 411 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Pub SignMan left this review about The Grape and Grain
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.
On 15th April 2010
- rating: 8
[User has posted 3114 recommendations about 3114 pubs]