please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Old school locals pub but nice friendly to locals.
Only been there half a dozen times when passing through the area, but never had a bad pint in there, most recently drank Brockley Pale Ale, 4.1% at £3.29 a pint which was lovely..
Nearby to Ladywell station and as it's on the road from Lewisham to Catford loads of busses pass by.
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Was at this pub just last night. Night was billed as a low key'Folk night'. Number of musically minded people turned up armed with a myriad of instruments to improvise various songs. Public could also join in to jolly sing-a-longs! At the back of the pub, number of people playing card games. Seemed like a pub from a bygone age!
Atmosphere of pub enhanced with good quality, fresh ale. Both Spitfire and doom Bar in immaculate condition. Shall return again!
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I've been coming to this pub for many years, through its various changes in managers and even names. Overall, it's a good place for people who prefer pubs to be places you can talk in, and where the staff know who you are after just a couple of visits. Having said that, it struggles a bit, in the British way, with the fact it's brewery-owned, which means the management are never really going to benefit greatly, at least not directly, from any improvements they make. The main bug-bear I have with it is its recent tendency to have the radio playing constantly (often at the same time as the TV). They used to play CDs, which is fine but, presumably because that means regular trips downstairs to change them, the staff now prefer to leave the radio on. Worse still, it's always some crap commercial station where you're forced to listen to half-wit DJs babbling on about, well, themselves mostly.
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Lovely pub, always good real ales on tap, nice staff, and a very very good quiz night on a Wednesday. Try it, its certainly one of the nicest pubs in Lewisham.
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Friendly local pub, just outside Lewisham town centre with a few characters. The beer range was relatively ordinary - Ringwood Best, Jennings Cumberland Ale, Shepherd Neame Spitfire & Sharps Doom Bar, with one spare handpull. Both the radio and TV were on. Live music is advertised for a Sunday evening, and as I sat there, the evening's entertainment arrived to set up on the aforementioned stage. Quiz nights are apparently on Wednesdays. There's a kind of Irish bar feel to this place, and I believe I overheard a few Irish accents. Bare floorboards and some attractive screens complete with stained glass provide a fairly pleasant drinking environment (despite the noise and the presence of a fruit machine).
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Difficult to argue with 'humphs' below who called it "the only pub in Lewisham town centre that doesn't feel like a town centre pub." Only two of the handpumps were on - Youngs Ordinary and Doom Bar, but the latter was on good form. Obviously a locals pub, but friendly enough to casual visitors.
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A while since i have visited this pub but pleased to find it still has a friendly atmosphere. There was a karaoke going on while i was there, some good singers.Plenty of entertainment advertised, looking forward to the Halloween party, looks like it could be fun. My kind of pub, good cask ales and a deserved cask marque plaque proudly displayed.
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The stage that was put in is to get full benifit of the regular live music the jolly farmers has on. If you had taken the time to read the artical in the pub it was nothing to do with surrounding pub's but the situation of the buget increase and how they was going to try their hardest to keep cost's down!!!
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I visited again today after an absence of some time� the pub has had a few minor changes, the most pointless being a small area raised area at the front. Its one step above the rest of the pub and accommodates just one table, it really is quite inconvenient. Generally I think the pub is now trading only on its crowd of regulars who drink here for each others friendship and in this respect I agree with the previous comment, but the beer I had today I couldn�t finish � it was quite poor (flowers original). I also note there�s a sign in the gents having a go by inference at the nearby Wetherspoons. The place needs to raise its game somewhat.
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The only pub in Lewisham town centre that doesn't feel like a town centre pub. Beer is excellent quality.
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This pub is a little gem, one of the best of its type.I visited it after reading the reviews and found a true locals pub in Lewisham (few and far between). besides live music at weekends they have a very good jamming session every monday. The locals are very friendly and the pub has a really nice atmosphere. When i visited there was a good selection of cask beers available, the Doombar was very nice.I was told a new couple,Les and Helen, took it over a few months ago. They are obviously trying hard to make a success of it, and they deserve to do so. I have now made several visits, and will continue to do so, and have always been made welcome.
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This pub is beginning to stand out from a crowd. The picture above not doing it justice. Since re-opening in sep 08 The Jolly Farmers is a wonderful, warm friendly pub to enjoy a pint in.
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I like the fact that the pub facilities / features listed here on BITE says "Outside seating" as the sign inside the pub stating "Beer Garden" is stretching it a bit for what amounts to concrete and picnic benches. Still if you only need to smoke it's perfectly adequate. All in all a nice pub with a relaxed atmosphere.
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Beer sorted, excellent sharps doombar, superb, a great pub with friendly staff and owners
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Shame, no more beer direct from the barrel, Youngs beer on tap. Shame in its place boxes of crisps.......
On the plus side, cleaner and quite pleasant. Sort the beer out though please
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Well the pub has indeed reopened, and although not much has changed inside, it still seems at minimum readiness and not at all like its moved up a gear. My beer was poured almost with the barmaid�s fingers in it as she was holding the glass so high. Some room for improvement I�d say. Beer wise -two Youngs and a Nelson�s beer were on tap.
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I was only in the place once just before it shut down om September 10th. It seems the place has new management and is now dispensing with the real ale casks sat up on the bar. Shame, I quite like the place. And its been renamed the Jordan too.
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I went in today and had some great Cornish Coaster beer. But this is the message on the blackboard;
"Dear Friends/Customers, thank you for all your support over the last 3 years unfortunately we will be closing Wed 10 Sept. Our last day of trading will be 9th Sept. Come and say goodbye on Sat 6th Sept. Thanks again - Jules,Chantel,Sam,Berri Cawford & Jemma, Amy,Ben. Oue lovely staff. XXXXXXX "
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Sadly I understand it�s closing down in early Sept, and will not be re-opening. I must check to see if its still doing its real ales.
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JUST BECAUSE THE ATMOSPHERE CUSTOMERS AND BARMAN WERE GREAT ! I RATE YOU 9!! I'LL BE BACK!!
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Really really liked it - attractive interior and garden, good beer, food but not McGastro, nice bar staff
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Missed it on the first pass as I was looking for the Jolly Farmers and the sign outside says 'the Jordan'. However on the way back I realised my mistake and went in. A traditional sort of pub making a big deal of fantasy football and with a limited summer menu; however the draw (no, not that kind!) for me was Cornish Coaster from the barrel, very good it was too. Yodagrit, pubs serving food in the evening is a relatively recent innovation as far as I can tell! This is a pub (and a good one too) and not a restaurant.
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Had nice pints of Bombardier and Proper Job when visiting last week for the first time. Strangely countrified for Lewisham, but all the better for it. Had a very decent jacket potato too.
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We were at the St Georges Day celebration what a night. Great bbq fantastic atmosphere morris dancers etc. Staff dressed up brilient!!! Shame more places cant be bothered to celebrate. Well done !!
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Actually quite a nice pub with nice beer and a radiant face at all times to serve you!I'll be back anyway!
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Great pub, good beer and ambience.
Food really good as well, but menu seems slightly topsy turvy at present with sandwiches served in the evening, main meals at lunchtime, and curry is on a sunday. Maybe I'm just old fashioned!
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It was nice to be in this pub when the CAMRA people were in and to listen to their comments on how nice the beer was the service from the staff and the atmosphere. As a person who visits from time to time it was great to here positive comments well done!.
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Atmospheric enough and Directors was OK but hardly Beer Guide quality I think.
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Came in here recently (been to the previous incarnations ) and was impressed by the atmosphere - a lovely pub which I can see myself visiting very often.
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I WOULD LIKE TO SAY THIS LOVELY PUB HAS HAD A FEW PROBLEMS WITH SUPPLIES OF BEER ETC HASN'T EVERYONE AT SOME TIME OR ANOTHER. I THINK IT WOULD BE A SHAME IF THIS PUB DOESN'T GET THE SUPPORT OF PUNTERS. I WOULD ALSO SAY THAT I DRINK REASONABLY REGULER IN THE JOLLY FARMERS AND AS FOR STALE ALE I WOULD SAY CHECK YOUR TASTE BUDS. THE ALES NEVER LAST LONGER THAN A COUPLE OF DAYS AS THEY ARE DRUNK AS SOON AS THEY ARE READY. PLEASE LOOK IN THE GOOD PUB GUIDE AS THEY ARE IN IT AND THE REAL ALE 2008 GUIDE. THIS PUB IS DONING EVEING FOOD STARTING JAN 2008 I THINK I ONLY WAY IS UP!!!!
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This used to be a good little pub to visit after work. However i must agree with the last person that it has made me use another pub as the "real ale" has been replaced with "really stale".
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I am afraid to say that this place is going downhill fast and a real shame. Once when there were 3/4 real ales, now if you are lucky a mediocre one. Even a lack of draft lager ?!?
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I would like to compliment the Jolly Farmers on making the smokers feel welcome in their lovely garden. Not alot you can do in a small space but well done. As usual friendly barstaff great real ales 14 different snacks what more could you want! Dangerous times for pubs in the lewisham area as so many are closing. Lets hope this one will survive. Keep supporting 'The Jolly Farmers'.
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I don�t know which pub all the people who left comments went to but when I last went to the farmers the bar staff where far from friendly and there was a shortage of larger and the only beer was a barrel of skinners betty stogs which was past it sell by date no beer, largeer or soft drinks in the fridges hardly any choice of crips and loads of � coins for your change.
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As I'd heard that change in management had apparently improved this pub, I visited the Jolly Farmers on Saturday evening in what must be the first time in about six or seven years. I have to say that as a result of what I found, it won't certainly won't be that long before I return: friendly barstaff, a convivial and friendly atmosphere, and three real ales. One was on tap, and two straight from the barrel (a rareity in this part of the world); from one of the latter receptacles, I had an excellent St. Austell Tribute, though inebriation from a Greenwich crawl beforehand unfortunately prevents me from recalling what the other ale was. A great pub in an area otherwise bereft of good hostelries.
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I would like to say a big thank you to The Jolly Farmers for a fantastic St george Day celebration. Fantastic bbq and Morris Men.The couple who run the pub have made a real effort and the staff are great. Not forgetting great ale and food. Well done!
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This is an Oasis in London, forget Lewisham. Small quiet 'country' pub with great ale. I have never had a pint that was not 100%, unlike a wetherspoon lottery pub. Sharp's is the regular guest ale, very tasty.
Great Food, No TV, Good unimposing music, My Mum like this Pub and all my mates like it! It is the dog's bollox. Nurses too at lunchtime:)
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What a lovely pub! Good food, sweet people (mostly), fantastic beers and they are very fine and comfortable with a woman sat in the corner having a beer reading the paper or what-not, not gossiping about you or speculating who you are exactly or what is wrong with you as you are out on your own.
Fabulous for a weekday, gottah get get away beer. Fine cornish guest ales, very reasonably priced, no drunks or maddies. Go with friends or on your own.
A truly 20th century pub. Lovely Jolly Farmers.
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This place is an oasis of beery delight in an area where decent pubs are thin on the ground. The decor is simple, the ales are taken seriously and, all in all, it's a damn fine place in which to while away a convivial evening.
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I thought suicide rates amongst farmers were the highest of any profession in the UK. Still I suppose 'The Suicidal Farmers' may sound a bit off putting. Decent enough pub and the only real pub (i.e. not Wetherspoons) in Lewisham that has regular guest ales.
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Love Lewisham hospital.
Love the Jolly Farmers.
The friendly locals are hospital staff, so if one of them breaks your leg, just laugh.
The best Speckled Hen I've had in London and gingery, caramelly Sharp's straight from the cask.
Fresh, perfect ale, great staff, lovely atmosphere. Love the small telly- if you want noise & footy, the Fox is 2mins away.
Food- no idea but if it poisons you you're in good hands etc etc.
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I personally think this is the best pub in Lewisham and the surrounding area by a long way. The beers are always well kept as is the pub on a whole. Friendly bar staff and regulars make this pub a joy to drink in. The new owners are also very nice people who serve up a very tasy Sunday lunch I might add!!
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This place is a major improvement on the typical pubs in Lewisham / Catford. Well-kept ales and a pleasant beer garden - worth a visit if you're in the area
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Small local pub with excellent selection of beers usually in good condition.
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Will shortly be changing its name back to "The Jolly Farmers" now that it is under new mangement.
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I agree with 'Big Pete'. This is a nice pub with a bit of character (albeit 'manufactured'). The real ale is excellent and well kept. I gather a kitchen is opening shortly, which will give it another string to its bow. In short, its much too good for Lewisham.
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What it lacks in size it makes up for in the quality and range of beer served. Brings the best of provincial England to inner London and humanizes Lewisham. Great little boozer.
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Love the place! Manager is brilliant! Guinness is brilliant! WELL DONE!
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A decent traditional pub next to Lewisham hospital. Lots of locals who are friendly (makes a change)and landlord who you can upset by having a go at Man Utd. Real ale and guest ales. A friendly bar dog (guinness) who hates skateboards and they even show the footy (need a better screen though. I would agree that this is the best pub for a quite drink and no hassle in the area.
anonymous - 20 Apr 2005 13:46 |
Used to be the Hogshead and I believe that it was renamed after the current Landlord's offspring. Guest ales are varied, food spasmodic and Guinness the dog friendly if sated with crisps.
adamafurness - 29 Jun 2004 15:43 |
Pretty rough around the edges and the cusotmers look a bit dodgy but this is Lewisham but they all seem harmless enough. S'alright, you can get some beer, it looks and smells like a pub and they've got three ales on tap as well as Lefe in bottles.
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This is BY FAR the best pub in Lewisham. Good beer, nice enough staff, never tried the food, but where I come from pubs are for drinking, restaurants for eating, so who cares? They show football and rugby, though you have to get in early to get one of the half dozen seats in a good position for viewing. Some of the time you can even get a proper pint poured straight from a barrel behind the bar, a rarity. I some areas this would just be another nice little local boozer, in Lewisham it's an oasis amongst a desert of nutters pubs. Incidently, in the summer you can stand on the benches in the garden and see into the mortuary's 'holding' room!
James - 27 Feb 2004 09:08 |
This is a great little pub. Beer is well kept (and varied) and the staff are friendly. Doesn't have that tenseness of most other Lewisham/Catford pubs either, so the atmosphere is pretty welcoming. It's a local, but not in a cliquey kind of way. Never tried the food.
Andy - 15 Jan 2004 14:51 |
This really is the best pub in all of Catford and Lewisham put together (I know that's not saying a lot, but don't let that put you off). It's quite quiet with no awful bleeping of game machines, a varied clientele. And friendly too.
d75 - 11 Dec 2003 10:10 |
This, by local standards, is a fine and reasonably priced establishment with a quiet 'regulars' feel to it. The food was better than average but that bloke at the end of the bar who whines on at the staff and smokes constantly was a touch off putting! What was Liz doing in their for an hour when NHS lunchtimes should be 45 minutes? Better re-read your code of conduct!!!!
I recommend the Burger with chips by the way.....
Jim - 16 Sep 2003 14:32 |
Small bar wooden floors Irish theme. Next door to funeral parlour, more life in this establishment. Food service terrible used to go in for lunches but so slow don't get food within hour, even when no other customers. Never actually ever seen any one else eat in there am i missing something
Liz Cox - 30 Apr 2003 17:04 |
