Dining pub
A fusion of craft beer and cocktail bar with a kitchen specialising in sushi and all within a refurbished 19th C. corner public house. This reopened in March 2017, after having been closed since 2013 - and now with new management since December 2023 (with new phone and email contacts).
The main bar area is on a mezzanine level with an assortment of tables and seating with cushions lined up by the windows plus further tables and chairs by the front entrance. Large double aspect windows let in plenty of light to contrast with the bold décor of grey blue and purple walls. The zinc covered bar has basic wooden panelling, along with wooden flooring and contemporary bare electric lights using copper pipes. There is also a bookshelf which contains board games and activities for children.
Emphasis is on food with sushi plus pizza, pasta and burgers. Dining area extends out back under the railway arch with the open kitchen on display. The pub play host to the Taste Sushi restaurant, which offers an extensive range of sushi with a Brazilian twist.
Keg beers only, with four from Camden Town plus Leffe (price of a half pint is usually £2 less than that of a pint). Other drinks include cocktails, wine, sake, prosecco and champagne as well as soft drinks and beverages.
Instagram page is @thealexandrapenge
Historic Interest
Built in 1870 following the building of the Alexandra Cottages opposite in 1866-1868, and named after Princess Alexandra of Denmark, who married Edward, Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII) in 1863. This was intended to serve the workers who lived on the model estate as set up by the Metropolitan Association for Improving the Dwellings of the Industrious Classes. The public house backs onto railway arches that were built with the opening of the railway in 1863. Parish Lane was the historic boundary between Surrey and Kent, the Alexandra being located on the Surrey side, until 1900 (Bycroft Street at the rear of the pub was part of the original lane). In the 1970s, this was renowned as a boxing pub, frequented by boxers with its sparring ring upstairs.
Alexandra, Penge