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VERSION:2.1
N:The Blythe Hill Tavern
FN:The Blythe Hill Tavern
TEL;WORK;VOICE:020 8690 5176
ADR;WORK:;;319 Stanstead Road;SE23 1JB
URL:
NOTE:The mottled glass and peeling paint that constitutes the outside of this pub did not bode well. Nor did its position on Stanstead Road, among a dreary collection of shops and houses marking the thrilling procession between Forest Hill and Catford. I took a deep breath and entered, not expecting much in the way of conviviality or enjoyment, and was surprised by the humdrum conversation and the sheer number of people sitting inside. It turned out that I had unwittingly stumbled across one of SE London's finest; a family run affair interested in the basics of good pub-keeping. Lovingly maintained traditional decor - all wooden panels and gentle lighting - and three cosy rooms wrapped round a central bar immediately help it to stand out from the norm, and being asked three times within a minute - each time by different staff - if I was being served certainly added to its impressive, immediate impact. A friendly, lively crowd seemed happy to chat to anyone who passed through the doors, the owners' kids sat at a table doing their homework and the whole place rumbled cheerfully on through the evening. A few interesting real ales on offer, quiz nights on Monday and pretty much a full house every night, this is a deservedly popular establishment.
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