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Following a much-needed refurb in 2018, which thankfully both preserved the character and enhanced the decor, this pub reopened under Bermondsey Pub Co (now Stonegate) management. Note the charming explanatory wall plaques on the outside of the pub.
This is the original "wet-led pub" as there is no kitchen and no food is served (check with the staff regarding BYO). Normally five ales are available and often including some unusual ones.
Now open at the weekend, it is popular with locals, civil servants and those tourists who stumble across it; and it may become crowded at peak times. Don't trip over the pub dog, at date of this entry a dachshund going by the name of Dr Frankenfürter whose basket is at the foot of the stairs. His birthday party for his doggy friends is celebrated by the pub on or around 30 September each year.
Historic Interest
Dating from 1729 or earlier, the pub was first named the Castle, renamed Elephant and Castle around 1800 and became the Speaker in 1999. The area around the pub was, until clearance started in 1850, the erstwhile Devil’s Acre, London's very worst slum, according to Charles Dickens, albeit next to the world’s first public gas works. Noted by Westminster Council as an Unlisted Building of Merit.
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This Pub serves 4 changing beers and 1 regular beer.
Speaker, London
Changing beers typically include: London Brewing (varies) , Portobello (varies) , Sambrook's (varies)
Source: National
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