Jolly Woodman, Beckenham

Traditional pub.

A friendly traditional local popular with a mixed clientele of all ages for its homely convivial atmosphere and welcoming to visitors. Situated in a quiet street in a conservation area off the main road, this retains the look and feel of a country pub. Built in 1840 as an ale house, this would once have been surrounded by countryside. The front room is small with half-height matchboard panelling, old fixed bench seating and a drinking shelf along with leaded glass in the windows and a stove. The door to the right was once used for off-sales. The bar itself has tongue and groove panelling with a plain and well-worn counter. An opening leads to a larger back room, also with panelling, in an L-shaped configuration created in the 1970s. Toilets are outside across the courtyard.

A small paved courtyard is at the rear with several table sets and benches, plus a modern retractable canopy which is employed in inclement weather. The outbuilding at the end is used to store the beer and is believed to have once been stables. A small area out front has further benches plus seats to one side.

The cask ales are from Harvey's and Timothy Taylor with a couple of guests.

A time-honoured tradition is for the local Ravensbourne Morris Men to perform outside on St George's Day (23rd April).

Listed under both the CAMRA Pub Heritage Group and London Pubs Group (on their London Local Inventory) as having an interior of special national historic interest (* 1-star).