please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Spent a very pleasant hour on a late Monday afternoon here. Excellent Treason (seasonal red ale from Trumans). Also had usual Young's offerings plus a range of craft beers on tap.
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Visited here with a few client's for a lunch and this really is an excellent place
Okay it's not a traditional pub in the sense that it is very food orientated but it's blinking good food.
They had 3 beers on draiught & my 2 pints of Doom Bar were excellent.
Downstairs to the left of the bar are booths which are similar to the ones you get in a pie and mash shop, this makes the pub authentic and the decoration is very tastfully done
It was very busy so we sat upstairs in the quirky dining room.
As stated above the food was very good and even though this place is possibly more about food than drink it's worth a visit and I'm glad it's been tarted up and is now saved and not lost forever as another run down pub.
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Looks and smells like a chip shop. Not a pub in the truest sense. Poncey modern and quite awful.
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Had a few drinks here on a Friday night. The place gets very busy but service was quick considering. Great beer garden with heaters, and very tastefully decorated inside. Food was great too - the twice fried chips were spot on to accompany a Friday night beer - and was freshly prepared: better than your average pub-grub though this is reflected in the price. Does a nice drop of Guiness too, if you're so inclined.
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I frequent this boozer a fair amount. It's a popular place in a great location and can get quite full. Good selection of grog on tap, great pub garden, large room upstairs for hire, and by and large, the staff are quite cheerful. The management also seem to have a policy of making sure at least 80% of the bar staff are young, buxom, attractive women in vest tops, which for someone who is ferociously heterosexual like me, always a good thing.
However, this charm fades at approximately 10pm if you are still in the pub, as it is like a switch where the staff just lose interest in what they are supposed to do, and would rather spend their time giggling or flirting with the one or two blokes they hire. I have been in here before with only five people waiting at the bar towards the end of the night, and seven people behind the bar, and not one of them serving, rather doing such vital tasks as looking at the coffee machine, turning a glass over in their hands, or opening and closing the door to the cellar. The layout is also a bit awkward, if you are standing, you always feel like you're in someone's way.
Still, I'll go back from time to time. Once the desire to throw the people that pay their wages out as quickly as possible at the end of the night goes so they can get on with some mild petting goes, it will be a great pub.
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Good beer, especially when they have becks Vier in Becks Vier glasses. Have had some very good staff and some poorer ones. In gneral friendly enough place, but as previous reviews have alluded too, their attitute changes somewhat as 11pm approaches as about 1 member of staff comes up to you every 10 seconds reminding it will be time to leave soon.
Good that they take bookings for areas in advance and table service is a plus. However, I feel the pub is miss-managed because it should treat regular customer's better. Last time we were in there, after spending hundreds of pounds already we were informed that table service would stop immediately and we would have to chance it at the bar which was 3 or 4 deep all the way round.
Better managed and it could be a great pub.
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Went to the Woolpack for a friends party last night, who had the upstairs area reserved for them. Very pleasant and popular pub - good beer, interesting decor and reasonably good service. So, for 95% of the time we spent in this pub, we were singing its praises, and would have happily recommended it.
However, when it came to closing time, the staff had a complete change of attitude - at precisely 11pm they stopped serving, including refusing to serve people who had been patiently queueing for 5+ minutes. Then at 11.10pm, we had a constant stream of staff telling us to leave - it was virtually one every 30 seconds. I suspect the need to close promptly is part of their license (it does have residential areas around it), but we quickly got the message, were complying, and didn't need it hammering home.
In summary, a very pleasant pub, but severely let down by the staff being sticklers for the rules (this seems to be consistent with other reviews). Given that our friends spent quite a lot of money last night, this left a sour taste for everyone in our group, and we won't be returning.
Oktup - 24 Jul 2011 17:46 |
Doesn't have Sky. The TV's were advertising mulled wine on a Sunday afternoon when I was trying to find the football - looked nice enough though.
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Nice pub. Went for my brother's birthday today, with my partner and my newborn baby (six weeks old). What was dreadfully disappointing was that the barstaff announced to us that we would have to leave by 5.30, as their licence didn't allow children in the pub after that time. Our daughter was asleep the whole time we were in the pub, and wasn't causing any disturbance to anybody. Despite the fact that the barmaids were courteous when ordering drinks, they repeatedly came back to tell my partner that she had better be out of the bar by 5.30 or else. When we were packing up, and about to leave, at 5.32, with coats on, a barmaid - Hannah, perhaps? - came up and was extremely surly with us, despite my reassurances we were leaving (it was clear we were). Upon my suggestion that they make it clear on their website that they DO NOT welcome children after 5.30pm, she just shrugged and said 'Tell the manager'. I suggested SHE might tell the manager our thoughts, and she simply rolled her eyes and walked off.
All in all, a nice pub, but don't bother if you've got kids with you. You won't get a warm reception. A real shame to be thrown out of my own brother's birthday celebration, due to the attendance of his silent niece.
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Thought it would be a great place for a first date. They cater well for the older shorter Germaic gentleman and with easy access toilets, it makes continuious washing your hands considerably easier. I also like the step free enviroment, as with my limp it's difficult to get around. Nice Becks Vier, pity about the prickly bush in the garden as it put a run in my red silk underwear. Great atmosphere, helpful bar staff who understood my accent, just a pity that her goldfish was taken ill and she had to leave after three sips of her drink. Just where will I find my Helga!!!!
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Well, Well, Well, The Woolpack has done well for itself.
Not been in for 6months or so due to the surly Eastern European staff, but I popped in yesterday afternoon and they�d been totally replaced by a polite and friendly group of guys and girls.
They�ve refurbed the toilets, and also upstairs (which always looked great) but now is decked in black leather banquets which were great for having lunch on. The food was fresh and well cooked, and service was impeccable.
The missus had a lemon cheesecake Martini which she said was divine (although tad sweet for me) & thankfully they still do the Guest Ales.
All in all, this hidden Gem is a Gem again, not sure if they�ve had a change of management or what but they�ve now even got a twitter page!
Safe to say we�ll be back again
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Great little boozer. We barrelled up and did the thing, smoked a thousand fags and drank about a million pints of lager. I told a few stories about me and the boys early doors. Anyway i was going to take the unit off for a ruby but she had the cheek to order a packet of salted nuts and no one puts food on my bar tab. Luckily on my way home I bumped into a cheeky size 8 and one dodgy minicab later i was nai... well, you know the rest.
Till next time, evening ladies.
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Staff range from surly to obnoxious, but the biggest problem is the hygiene. Went there with my wife and two friends and we all got really badly upset stomachs early hours the next morning. It is a great pity as the building itself lends itself to the re-making of a great pub.
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Its a really nice pub if you ignore the horrible horrible staff and the fact your reservation won't be kept if you are even slightly late. I respect the fact they get busy, but a bit of common courtesy and a good ol' fashioned smile go a long way. Only drop in for a casual drink as its not the place for a big group of people.
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great if you get a seat in the garden , staff are strange , is this a pub or a restaurant? staff dont seem to stick to the same tables so you have to tell the waiter/ess each time they offer to get your drinks for you. food is average but overpriced. will visit again but not soon
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I only go here if I can sit outside, it's pointless otherwise. Order the drinks and go! it's not the best pub in the world but its close to where I work etc so it's just too handy!
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Like the decor, and has a good atmosphere, but only 2 very common ales (GK IPA and Old Speckled) which don't seem to rotate either. Also don't like the way the staff remove empty glasses from the table literally the moment you've set them on the table and pester you to buy more drinks immediately - makes the experience feel far too rushed/pressurised.
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Booked an area over the phone, arrived at the time they specified, when bar staff told me I was 15 minutes late and the booking no longer stood. They were totally unapologetic about this, but we managed to find a spot anyway.
Later in the evening, one of us ordered an apple crumble that was half cooked - tasted so bad, like it had melted cheese on it. Looked for manager on way out, but was nowhere to be seen.
Shan't go back for a while... whichis a shame as I live on the same street.
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Reasonable, if somewhat limited selection of lagers and ales. Nice decor. Food is great, although selection is limited and quite expensive. Pub appears to be pitched at a yuppie clientele, so this is to be expected.
The big letdown for me was the breathtakingly rude staff. Our group was being a little loud, and the "gentleman" on duty asked us to keep the noise down. However, there is no excuse for rudeness, and we will not be returning if we can help it.
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Good pub, wonderful staff. This pub is one of the few dog friendly pubs in central London (try the Anchor Tap also) and as a dog owner, that pretty much guarantees my custom. A pleasant pint of Old Speckled Hen last time I visited.
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Yes staff good - have to be to keep the shouting hoards from getting restive. Garden is only choice for non bust eardrums of an evening, espec. in summer. Preferred it before the makeover, few years back. and then the post office went of course...
Tile lovers will take note of the walls of the ground floor.
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Above average pub. Good service, interesting decor upstairs and very impressive fish and chips. Bearded real ale fans like me might grumble at the limited beer options, but we're probably not the target market.
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No matter how busy this pub gets, I have never waited more than a couple of minutes to get served ! The staff are a credit to this pub ! They serve a great pint of Staropramen and the garden is a godsend.
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Nice staff and a really good range of beers.
I've eaten here a few times and don't really rate it myself, I think it's overpriced for what it is, and definitely steer clear of the platter!
However, as a nice little boozer it's fine
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Top pub, great service and fantastic food! Can't go wrong here.
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Great Decor, very friendly staff, and the food was quite good - chips done to death but otherwise food was good. On the Sunday I went it was more like a restaurant than a pub.
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Really nice pub, great atmosphere. Great outside space. Good food. Friendly bar staff. Always busy.
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Good Grief... Reading previous reviews, I don't even recognise the place! This is a good, solid, local pub and as someone who works in the area, I wouldn't be without it! Ok, not somewhere to take a hot date and the food is a bit pricey, but the garden is an absolute boon in this age of global warming. The decor is a bizarre mix of whatever was handy at the time, but the staff are just brilliant! Imported from all over the continent and taught how to deliver proper pub service, if only bar staff were this good in all London pubs.
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Absolutely awful pub for the council estate types that live around the area!
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Also note great big smelly bin handily located outside front door for extra panache.
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Staff are friendly but know nothing and have been taught nothing about working in a London pub. Food's up and down but mediocre to start with. Ale's indifferently kept. Great tiled wall that was uncovered during refurb is a nice feature but hardly due to good management.. Wooden walled 'conseratory' at back of pub reminds one of a Nazi death train, not nice.
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A short stagger from London Bridge, The Woolpack nestles unassumingly in a villagey stretch of Bermondsey St amidst likeable independent shops. The decor is a fine compromise between trad pub and nouveau wine lounge, and, in my opinion, manages to teeter just on the right side of both. Staff are cheery and attentive, replacing ashtrays with an almost religious zeal; and the food is excellent value for the quality. I'd recommend the scandi outhouse extension which offers a cosy respite from the hubbub of the main bar- which, by the way, is patronised by some rather attractive locals.
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Nice out of the way place with a good selection of beer and a nice, ever-changing food menu. Pleasant for a quiet pint away from the busier places, and I imagine the beer garden is great in warmer weather.
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Reasonably priced food on a street with several overpriced eateries. The Souvlaki lamb is top, generous and shareable for lunch. I can imagine it's very pleasant in the summer months.
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Much better pub than the Garrison which is not really a pub but more a restaurant come expensive wine bar. Since the refurb it has become much more popular. Food very good too.
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I have jsut moved to the area and have been checking out all the pubs close to my new flat. So far this one is the clear winner. �3 for a pint of most premium lagers and friendly staff. Food looks pretty good and they seem to serve a lot without turning the place into a gastro pub.
Nice seating areas inside, conservatory and outside.
Recommended :)
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I hesitate to say what I want to say about The Woolpack for fear that it will somehow let out what could be described as a well-kept secret. That would, however, be miserly: spread the joy, and spread with Greaves. This pub has a cracking beer garden, it's truly idyllic. On a sunny afternoon take 2-3 friends, secure a picnic table, and settle down for a blissful hour or three to soak it all in. Also, the food is worth every penny, and I think represents much better value than you'll get at The Garrison over the road. Now I'm starting to sound like my Dad, better stop.
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awesome deocor and friendly staff
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Not particularly impressed really. Ordered a bottle of wine between the four of us, no wine glasses, just tumblers, which we had to clean... No surprise we didnt hang around - rubbish!
anonymous - 22 Dec 2005 15:16 |
Was pleased to see the name restored, and the style of the pub not too trendy. Has smartened up since changing hands, but has managed to retain friendly pub-like atmosphere without becoming too trendy / yuppie like. Food borders on the expensive, but usually tastes good, and service now quite efficient.
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Good range of drinks, including Hooegarden and Leffe on draught. Food menu excellant, though waiting for your order can be slow. Gets very busy Friday lunchtime.
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Nice beer garden out back and great chicken satay and peanut dipping sauce! Grilled not fried. Still have to try everything else. Oh also I ordered a large shiraz wine and got a huge drinking glass full.. and it was drinkable! :)
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Now trading under its original name as The Woolpack.
Theres' a large beer garden at the back which is a great place to meet up in the summer in preference to the trendier altenatives on Bermondsey Street.
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A proper pub - like it
anonymous - 3 Feb 2005 09:54 |
The Pub has re-opened under new management. haven't been in to check, but it doesn't look too different from old - minimalist, unpretentious boozer.
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The Scotia closed today - 6pm - for good. Noone seems to know what it will be yet. So long, pub!
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Any pub with a Charlton pennant behind the bar is OK by me!
Plucka - 25 Oct 2004 09:23 |
Good for homesick Scots who like Thai food... I love this pub! Tasty and inexpensive Thai menu, a great beer garden and friendly staff. Good beer too (and shows football matches if you're keen).
Iona Walton - 1 Jul 2004 11:01 |
Good pub, shows all the Celtic and raners games live, food good and offers on bottled beers. good nights out for the Champions League games.
Alan Gillespie - 13 Oct 2003 15:21 |
Great pub to have as a local, friendly barstaff, cheap drinks on at the moment (bottled beer), good song selection on jukebox, comfy chairs, pool room, good food and a beer garden
Craig Saddington - 10 Sep 2003 08:32 |
Good straightforward London pub with small garden. Excellent doorstep sandwiches (Eeksie Peeksie - chicken and avocado particularly good). Major sporting events on pull-down screen.
Claire Wilkins - 31 Jul 2003 10:53 |
great bar i a kiwi was there in may and loved it ,they had the most beautiful pork scratchings there i i would like to contact the mamager and see if he could get me some and ill have a friend bring some over to nz at xmas
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Friendly local,uesd to be called the Woolpack. Has a courtyard out the back, pool-room upstairs,good food, diverse cliental from your arty designer to your city boy.And a stones throw from London Bridge Station.
Karen Gamble - 16 Aug 2002 09:35 |
