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VERSION:2.1
N:The Herne Tavern
FN:The Herne Tavern
TEL;WORK;VOICE:020 8299 9521
ADR;WORK:;;2 Forest Hill Road;SE22 0RR
URL:http://www.theherne.net/
NOTE:A fancy exterior of bulging windows and stained wood seemed to come directly from the tin marked ‘ye olde worlde goodness’, and this pub has indeed become a victim for the retro-refurb mania sweeping SE London. Gone is any clutter, mess and suggestion that the twentieth century even existed, to be replaced by a fantasy medieval banquet hall, all wood panelling, white paint and silver chandeliers, seemingly modelled on the choir pews at Westminster Abbey. All the tables seem to be rather aggressively laid out with knives, forks and wine glasses, making me rather wary of sitting down at all, as the pub clearly awaits the coming of the high-profit, high expenditure Eater rather than the humble pint drinker. Extensive beer garden (with children’s playground) seemed to have become a giant crèche, as hundreds of East Dulwich families congregated in the sun to talk about property prices and watch fondly on as their little darlings beat seven bells out of each other. Oddly enough, I was reminded of the Irish pubs in northern Germany, which are often decked out to resemble dungeons or castles, complete with axes on the walls and waitresses floating around in diaphanous white dresses, serving Guinness so chilled that it tastes like lager. Unfortunately, the bar staff here haven’t yet taken to wearing costumes, but it can only be a matter of time.
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