The New Cross Inn / Bar Alchemy, New Cross

The New Cross Inn has had a varying reputation over the last few years, largely due to a quick succession of managers and conflicting opinions on which direction the pub should take in order to appeal to everyone. I think, however, that the New Cross Inn has finally found its feet and is rapidly becoming a popular and thriving live music venue with something great to offer the area.

A combination of new management with innovative ideas, great staff and brilliant local promoters such as Polite Riot and Urban N.R.G. has given the New Cross Inn the edge when it comes to encouraging people of all ages and from all walks of life to get involved in live music.

There are many bands in the surrounding area who can attribute their success to being given opportunities to perform and develop material at the inn. A prime example of this is the popular and well-established open mic night every Tuesday, in which artists as young as 16 regularly perform and jam with musicians old enough to be their grandparents!

The New Cross Inn has no pretentions and makes no effort to be anything but a 'spit-and-sawdust' kind of pub, but the atmosphere is relaxed, the music is good and the beer is cold, so what more can you ask for? It is always well-stocked nowadays, and as for ' dirty alcoholic types', isn't everyone at 2am on a Sunday morning?!

The New Cross Inn seems determined to move forwards and I doubt it will be held back by the petty small-mindedness of a minority of local people still trying to hold on to their youth...

19 Feb 2010 16:27