Tucked away in a street of Victorian terraces cottages often used for filming 'northern' scenes, this corner pub is Grade II listed with its historic interior recognised by CAMRA as of regional significance. Both bare-boarded, the narrow public bar at the front and small saloon at the side share a horseshoe-shaped bar top, with eight hand-pumped (four in each bar) cask ales from throughout the UK, and usually including at least one dark beer. Old pictures and photos of the pub and area are displayed on the walls. The larger rear conservatory, packed with retro objects d’art and bric-a-brac contains a series of long central wooden tables and counters with tall stools along one side, upon which Thai food is served at lunchtimes and evenings on weekdays, for most of Saturday and until 6pm Sunday. A pub quiz takes over the conservatory on Sunday evenings at 7pm. There are two function rooms upstairs available for hire. Drinking is also allowed outside on the pavement, at the front and side. Card payment only.
Local CAMRA branch SE1 District Pub of the Year 2024.
Historic Interest
Early to mid 19th-century end of terrace brick building of three storeys retaining two bars with inter-war fittings separated by a rare (for London) partition. The public bar on the right has a separate entrance, bare wood floor, dado panelling that may be inter-war. The partition on the left has leaded glazing in the top which looks inter-war work. Curved counter front could be inter-war (or possibly post-war), there is a good late 1930s tiled fireplace, and the fixed seating at the rear looks more post-war than inter-war as does the glazed screen on top of it. Saloon bar on the left has a bare wood floor, two doors, both with ‘Saloon Bar’ etched and frosted panels which could imply the room has been one since the inter-war period. There is another curved counter which looks inter-war, the wood surround fireplace with a cast iron interior looks modern but the bar back fitting has an array of glass shelves which are a feature of the 1960s.
Two star - A pub interior of very special national historic interest
Listed status: II
This is an early to mid 19th century end of terrace brick building of three storeys retaining two bars with inter-war fittings separated by a rare (for London) partition.
The public bar on the right has a separate entrance, bare wood floor, and inter-war dado panelling. The partition on the left to near ceiling height which separates the public and saloon bars has leaded glazing in the top which also appears to be inter-war work. The curved counter front looks to be inter-war (or possibly post-war); there is a good late 1930s tiled fireplace, but the fixed seating at the rear looks more post-war than inter-war as does the glazed screen on top of it. The double doors at the back of the public bar now access the conservatory extension but would originally have been external doors.
It's likely that the saloon bar on the left has been a single space since the inter-war period as until relatively recently both external doors contained 'Saloon Bar' etched and frosted panels (but only one door does now). This bar also has a curved counter with cupboards in the front for servicing beer engines in the past, which indicates that it's inter-war. The wood surround fireplace with a cast iron interior looks modern and the bar back fitting has an array of glass shelves which are a feature of the 1960s.
You must be a Digital Subscriber or CAMRA Member to be able to view specially curated GBG descriptions
This Pub serves 6 changing beers and 2 regular beers.
King's Arms, London
Changing beers typically include: Portobello (varies) , Redemption (varies) , Siren
Source: National