please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Went in on a Sunday afternoon. Pleasant atmosphere (I was put off going into the Union next door because of the braying I could hear before going in). I had a nice pint of Special. The food looked good and seemed to be appreciated by those who were eating. I would definitely go in again although I wouldn't go miles out of my way.
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One of the better Young pubs I have been in. Could do with more staff on a Saturday afternoon.
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Youngs pub in a quiet location away from the town centre. Available beers were Ordinary, Special, Winter Warmer and Richard 1st Christmas Ale. There are 2 separate bars with a garden at rear. A full range of Youngs bottled beers were also stocked. This pub seemed more popular with locals than the Greenwich Union next door. It also had much more of a homely feel and was far cheaper.
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"Thankfully, this traditional pub has avoided the worst type of refurbishment from the Youngs makeover team"
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Can't believe this comment from rpadam, as I was thinking the total opposite.
Hadn't been to this pub for around 8 years until yesterday.
It's totally ruined. From it's old threadbare carpets and lived in feel, to a poncy high table and stools modern rubbish.
Used to be a great pub but I hated what they've done with it.
Went to The Plume of Feathers instead, which thankfully remains a proper pub.
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Took a Canadian friend in here on Thursday night. I have been going to the Richard on and off for about 13 years, and I think it's been getting (gently) better all this time. The only thing I don't really like is the carpets - who puts carpets in a pub?
Anyway, we had 2 very nice pints of Special in a very uncrowded pub. It was pretty expensive, sadly, which might explain the uncrowded feeling. But the place was clean, no banging music (which is always a bonus), and the toilets are a lot better than they have been in the past. They'd run out of handsoap a good while ago, though (the container had been broken) which isn't a strong sign that anyone's taking much care.
The food menu looked very Youngs, and very nice - nobody was eating though, and it was dinner time. I wondered why.
Overall, a lovely atmosphere, a lovely looking pub, pleasant helpful young staff (although that can change at the drop of a hat of course). And the beer's expensive (but it's Greenwich), and the toilets aren't monitored properly.
Toilets are really important to older punters, and because this place is quieter and food oriented these days, it'd be worth checking them every hour or so.
Still manages a 7 though, for being so pretty :)
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I was dragged to this pub by some mates (I am not a Young's drinker), so had a pleasant enough pint of Bombardier. The refurb is OK. We were there for lunch, so I ordered fish & chips. They was off - on a Friday, for goodness sake. So I ordered a burger - mistake. It would have been unacceptable from a flea bitten burger van at 2am; but to pay £8 for this fossilised dog turd in a pub with some food pretensions is taking the proverbial.
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Thankfully, this traditional pub has avoided the worst type of refurbishment from the Youngs makeover team. It comprises two rooms, one in each of two adjacent buildings in an attractive terrace in a quiet part of town. The larger bar leads to a decent-sized patio beer garden which is a very pleasant spot on a sunny day. Four well-kept real ales on handpump - Ordinary (reasonably priced at £2.90), London Gold, Special and Waggledance. Overall, really rather good.
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Situated right next door to the Greenwich Union, this is a proper, old fashioned local's Youngs pub which has the old fashoned vitues of decent, well kept beer, a clean tidy traditional enviroment, friendly staff and customers with a nice low hum of conversation that doesn't have to compete with any music.
Having pint of Ordinary here is a real pleasure. The best praise I can give is that 10-12 years ago I used to walk all the way from Lewisham to have a couple of pints here on a Friday or Saturday evening.
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This is the first time I've been here since it was a Tolly house back in the 70's. Thankfully not much has changed except it's bigger now that the off licence part has been incorporated into the pub.
This is a proper pub with no nonsence. Very friendly staff and contrary to previous comments. no music.
They had Young's Special, Young's Bitter, Bombadier and Young's Winter Warmer. They also had Pilsner Urquel on draft for the lager drinkers.
I sampled the Winter Warmer and the Young's Bitter and both were excellent.
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I moved to Greenwich in early 2009. I like this pub - they always serve decent beer, the food is great and the beer garden always has a spare seat which is brilliant in Summer time.
I must have been lucky enough to avoid the landlady mentioned in other posts as I've always found the service to be fantastic; everyone who served me was chatty and friendly and knew how to pour a pint - in this case, some well-kept Youngs beers. The food is really nice and while it's a little pricier than your usual pub fare, it's damn tasty and you get decent portions!
Great place to go for a relaxed night out.
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This used to be my local until about a year ago. Following the 'makeover', the landlady decided to play music in the saloon bar. Not only was her choice of music appalling and laud but the fact she sought to dictate the atmosphere( so called), led us to flee to the other bar. Subsequently , on another occasion, one of my party was ignored by the temporary,(they all are) bar staff. We voted with our feet and now use the Dog and Bell in Deptford who have wider and varying choice of very well kept beers and DONT PLAY ....! MUSIC !
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Been going to this pub with my family since the mid-70s and always held it in high esteem, until recently....The makeover isn't too severe but has taken away some of its character, but my main issue is with its staff - recently when I asked for a non-alcholoc drink (I was driving) the barman replied 'last of the big spenders' without any hint of humour or irony...plus a couple of Christmas eves the landlady, having been a complete misery all evening, called time early as a glass got broken (to think - in a pub!) Hopefully she's moved on...On the plus side, great beer garden and good pint of Youngs and out of the towm centre.
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Good old fashioned, well kept and well run two bar local with a generous beer garden out the back. This right next door to the Union, and I've always walked past as the union is a decent pub. It's a pleasure to have the time to explore Greenwich and get to know these pubs. This is a right gem. A typical Youngs pub.
The place has genuine charm. Lots of solid wood. No Fuller's fake Victorian modern makeover - this is the real deal. A proper pub serving proper beer, in a great location. Makes an interesting contrast with the Union next door, as they have certain things in common - but enough difference to be able to select which one you want to spend the evening in.
If you want a choice of four cask ales in excellent condition, then this is the one.
If you want original features and a sense of the history and tradition of British pubs, then this is the one.
If you want decent pub grub at reasonable prices, then this is the one.
If you want a slightly larger beer garden, then this is the one.
If you want to be treated like a real person rather than a customer, then this is the one, as the bar staff will talk to you, and seem genuinely interested in having a conversation.
Damn fine pub.
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Nice pub in greenwich
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Been here three times now and cannot agree with a previous review about the so-called makeover. The basic atmosphere has not changed, the seating was comfortable and the Young's Kew, in particular, was in great shape. I like this pub and would always come back.
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With an ever dwindling number of traditional pub interiors why do Youngs feel the need to exacerbate the problem? See also, Duke of Devonshire (Balham) & Dog & Bull (Croydon). At least here the ‘makeover’ has been largely restricted to furnishings, with a ludicrous low-table & pouffe set-up to rear of right hand bar (could picture plastic gangstas with their feet up here) and chunky modern stools next to drinking shelf opposite bar in left hand side facing ugly uncomfortable-looking high wall mounted leatherette banquette serving tall but tiny shiny wood tables, quite horrible, thank goodness bits of character such as the curved window seating remain intact. My notes started off mentioning a decent looking garden but questioned why there were no umbrellas to provide shade from the sun – well, when the heavens opened 30mins later it wasn’t the sun that the sodden garden refugees were trying to escape, hahaha! Our indoors table was suddenly very much at a premium and a joker had to be played while the thunder rumbled past. Ordinary, Special, Waggledance, Bombardier, sad reflection of the times (& area) but £8.55 for three pints was the cheapest round of the day, and the Bombardier was well kept.
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Good beer - Enjoyed the waggle dance as a bit of a change - and the rest of the lineup is usually top notch. They definately seem to know what they are doing in the cellar. The barstaff however are a bit slow, electric cattle prods should be provided for all drinkers as a form of entertainment, might liven them up a little. Food is good - as is the food service - large portions, not too badly priced considering the area. One of the better establishments in Greenwich.
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Not crazy about the interior makeover but it's up their with the great pub gardens. Alas I shall not be enjoying it again having been told to unplug my laptop charger 'because we need to watch costs'. E-On inform me my particular laptop cost 1.5p an hour to charge. Blimey, those new cushions must have cost a fortune...
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I really like the make over.
This place used to smell like old socks and the beer tasted very like the odour.
The garden is still the best part in the summer and the bar staff seemed very friendly and I liked the ok range of ales they had.
Overall, massive improvement.
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What has happened to the dear old Tolly House. The brewery appears to have soft furnished away the character of what was the best pub in South East London. What on earth were they thinking? Carpets? Sofa’s? Did anybody have a look at the pub and crucially the clientèle before this unnecessary makeover was embarked on. The manicured bushes on the first floor look ridiculous. I feel like someone has trampled all over a very important and significant part of my life and I am not alone. Beer is still good but the point is lost if you are sat in bar rather than a pub.
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the last pub of a 7 pub Greenwich excursion. We had tried earlier in the day but it wasn't opening until 3pm because of refurbishment. But it was worth coming back...very smart, well-patronised with a good mix of patrons and a fine pint of Ordinary. What's not to like about a street boasting 3 pretty decent pubs, bakers, butchers, candlestick-makers (Ok cheese sho) and fishmongers!
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Still my favourite pub in Greenwich. Away from the crowd and with a large back garden area. Young's ordinary always goes down well and my dog appreciates the dog biscuits. The only downside appears to be the high staff turnover.
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Beer OK
Bar staff a bit dozy, food service awful, 1 hour for chicken and cheese on toast despite 3 reminders,the manager seemed to think the appalling service was our fault and the refund very begrudgingly given, best to avoid, there are plenty of other pubs in Greenwich one of which must serve Youngs with a bit more grace.
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I popped in last night with some friends because the food was cheaper than the place next door's. We had some Young's Special - have had better but it wasn't bad - and the aformentioned food. A pleasant place to spend a bit of time, it hasn't had the dreaded Young's makeover that seems to be afflicting a fair few of their pubs these days.
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Lovely garden!
Beers alright.
Bar staff are quite friendly but the reason I/we stopped drinking in here and have not returned for about a year, is that no matter who is running/owning it (and it seems to have changed hands a fair few times in the last few years), they have been rude, grumpy, unwelcoming, and obviously feeling they are so far above their customers that they don't have to even consider good customer service!
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Went in for a few drinks the other night. Young’s ordinary and special where good. (Not fantastic though). As ever, a real eclectic mix of friendly locals coupled with a nice Young’s pub make for a good evening.
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Warm, homely and friendly. Two bars, garden to the rear and some patio tables at the front. Youngs, Ordinary, Special and Waggledance plus Wells Bombardier. Ordinary competitive at £2.52. Food menu on the board well priced too between £6-£7. Opera music playing in the background yesterday, all very relaxing and generally a pleasant place.
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baggydave ...... have you read my review ??!!??
You fail to mention or comment upon the land lady, this is an important aspect of the pub / a review ...... you just rave about the urinals you weirdo.
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Beer was nice, separate bars and full length urinals so no splash back. What more could you want (and I don't give a monkeys about warm lager).
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Can the Land-lady please CHEER UP !!
I brought in a load of lads the other day (15+) and spent a good £200 but we were told to be quiet, that we'd upset a local, 1 local !, apparently in his seat ... for gods sake .... Greenwich has gone mad.
We won't be back.
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Decent enough but not special. Yes, it has got a pleasant garden and the interior is comfortable but the toilets need some attention. Beer quality was not particularly special and the service a little random.
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A moce greenwich pub away from the tourists. Lovely big beer garden, staff were quite friendly. beer was good. prices were not extortionate. I will be retuning
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Having chosen this pub specially for a lunch time venue on a day trip to Greenwich we were very disappointed with the food. The beer was fine and the garden good but £7.25 for a bland plastic sausage and a few chips was a rip off.
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Not to bad, good atmosphere but the larger was not very cold.
anonymous - 27 Jun 2007 10:51 |
Great Youngs pub that rather reminds me of the Wheafsheaf near London Bridge, another Youngs establishment. Nice bottle of Champion beer enjoyed in a buzzy atmosphere and with friendly bar staff.
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Great tasting pint of Waggledance(even though its brewed in bedford),and a lovely beer garden,8/10
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Prefer next door (The Union) but have never had a bad evening,pint or service. More of a 'local' and usually a bit quieter
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Once a fantastic pub. Great Youngs Bitter still available. Shame they change the management every six months. When it had a permanent landlord it was a superb place to go. Large beer garden is still a good place to go in the summer. I hope Youngs don't let this place go any further downhill.
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An enjoyable Youngs outlet, clean and welcoming, with a big beer garden and good selection of their bottled wares.
Not a top 40 pub however! I think this is a case of enjoying a young, affluent and web-savvy neighbourhood who like a pint here and who have voted highly for the place early-doors. I can't see it being top 40 when pubs outside the South East start breaking through the 15-vote barrier.
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Like many a pub, it's best at lunchtimes, this is partly because it's pretty small inside and partly because the number of visitors to Greenwich builds as the day progresses.
Although it does food, it has thankfully avoided becoming a dreaded 'gastropub', unlike the 'Hill' along the road (formerly the Barley Mow).
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How anyone can enthuse about this pub when you've got the Greenwich Union and The Prince Albert next to it is beyond me. The bar staff are miserable and po-faced, and the majority of the clientele are self-obsessed Tim "nice but dim" types who speak with extremely loud voices.
Good beer, but the positives end there. Avoid!
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Visited for the first time on Saturday afternoon at about 3pm. Great, great place. Lovely divided interior. Barman was a friendly saffa. Young's Special was on as good form as I have ever had it - and I go to a lot of good Young's pubs. The best part of our experience however was the food - this place is in no way a gastropub and the menu is very much Young's standard. We weren't expecting much - but the haddock fishcakes and the steak and ale pie were both great, huge portions, lots of sides included. Wonderful place, just wonderful. A lovely, relaxing traditional pub. 10/10.
anonymous - 20 Mar 2006 09:53 |
For all its good looks and well-kept ale, the staff are a little sniffy, as my fellow-reviewers remark below. I can understand that, for them, it's just another shift, a source of income and/or part of a career in barmaiding which may extend over many years and places. However, hospitality isn't just about delivering solid and liquid consumables across a counter and giving the correct change. It's about making people feel welcome, if not actually at home. Particularly off-putting if, as you walk towards the bar, the otherwise unoccupied person turns away and pretends to inspect a row of bottles for invisible woodlice. This was one of those places where I found myself trying to get the bartenders to act more cheerfully by being artificially upbeat myself. A pub is more than another chainstore, public library or gym-reception where you hand back your dirty towels. Customer-facing staff who won't engage with the public might be better off in backroom jobs.
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Nice pub and nice beer. Was there on a Friday afternoon so I was able to have a quiet pint.
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Nice Youngs establishment. Invaded by Morris dancers whilst I was there but their accordian player was a nice change of pace. Good looking food and I enjoyed my Youngs Bitter. Garden looked inviting.
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Great Youngs beer, good value basic food, great wine if a bit limited in choice. Lovely sunny garden in summer. A regulars pub where everyone is made to feel welcome. Bar staff can change too frequently, and it was better when Martin was the landlord but still for many of us locals the best traditional pub in Greenwich.
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Pretty nice. Next to the Greenwich Union and as far as I could tell essentially the same but a bit bigger (and with different beers obviously).
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Dead during lunchtimes. Evenings dominated by Jeremy Clarkson look-alikes. Great beer - as you would expect from Youngs, but it stands and falls on the quality of the bar staff that change regularly.
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Good quality beer,nice rear garden.
mally - 23 Jul 2005 12:57 |
Very small outside front area. I sat down, quietly sipping my pint when I was hit by a three bikes racing along the pavement.
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Very good Youngs beer, lovely garden, nicely tucked away from the towny commercial bit of Greenwich. Sat out on the street at the front and watched the world go by.
Dan - 6 Sep 2004 12:08 |
Cool pub, comfy and cosy, instead of grubby and scruffy. Big garden. Pint of waggle dance went down a treat.
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Spent one very happy afternoon here, drinking Youngs beer, having a leisurely lunch, relaxing and reading the papers. Lovely old pub with patio garden and very attractive, sunny bar with a tall curved window giving a "conservatory" feel. Quiet, pleasant and civilised.
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The beer was good and in the summer they used to do a great BBQ in the garden. However, the service is shocking and manager unfriendly. I don't go in any more.
Cox - 24 Mar 2004 16:52 |
Just moved into the area and have been trying out a few of the pubs. True, the beer here's good, but the barstaff are really unfriendly and the clientele are even worse. I've been back since with 2 of my friends and we got told to be quiet because people were playing chess - what's that all about???
Maldoror - 13 Feb 2004 16:03 |
Best in the summer as they have a good beer garden, with bbq's most evenings. Food has always been good, but service is always slow with incompetent staff
Lolly - 10 Feb 2004 15:14 |
Food here has gone seriously downhill over the last few months. Yes, the food is cheap but it's also becoming nigh-on inedible. Although the bitter is usually very good, the price of Stella is astronomical!
Helena - 11 Dec 2003 15:52 |
One of my favourite pubs in Greenwich, helped by being a bit off the tourist trail. Always been good beer and good service when I've been there. Not been through to the garden yet - must go back in summer!
Graham - 7 Nov 2003 09:47 |
top pint of waggledance, friendly and hospitable owners. huge beer garden and an interesting item of stonework on the roof above the beer garden door...take a look and just ask yourself "why?".
marc - 3 Sep 2003 13:39 |
I've only been here once, on a beautiful spring afternoon. The Young's was delicious, and the garden was perfect for kicking back, talking, and I had no problem with the staff, as they totally ignored the garden, so I could get my excercise stumbling back & forth to the bar. Not being from the area, the whole street was a nice surprise.
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Nice old pub with huge patio garden, lots of tables and chairs, plus lovely cosy bar with curved window to side. Friendly bar staff, good Youngs beer and happy variety of locals. Food good but don't have the Greek salad: it's 90% iceberg lettuce (NOT a Greek tradition!), 9% tomato and 1% feta cheese! Still, definitely one of my favourites in the area.
Sarah M - 20 Aug 2003 15:18 |
Maybye I'm to "trendie" lol but I found warm beer & bad service.
Nice front & garden though.
Matthew - 22 Jun 2003 21:03 |
Ace little Youngs pub in which to hide from the Greenwich Union trendies. Don't swear too loudly in front of the landlord though - he's quick to have a word...
Darryl - 27 Apr 2003 22:52 |
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