Prince Albert (Rose's), Woolwichback to pub details please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
I was last here almost 5 years ago, when the pub was unexpectedly closed on a bank holiday Monday. This time it was open. Entering felt like entering a timewharp. You pass through what I can only describe as coloured streamers in the doorway, reminiscent of 1970s greasy spoon cafes. But the welcome was warm and the locals seemed like a friendly bunch, albeit a little wary of a stranger amongst their midst. The juke box was being well utilised and the large lizard (not sure if it was Ronnie or Reggie) was motionless in its tank at the rear. This is an unspoiled boozer that would probably look exactly the same in 10 years time, including the same customers in the same places. I gave this a 0/10 in 2012. But I'm not entering a more realistic score of 6/10 as I did enjoy my visit. The ales were Caledonian First Dawn, Cotleigh Seahawk & Rosie's Best Bitter. No real cider was available.
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My 4th pub of the day and my 4th GBG 15 tick in South East London.
I thought I had been here before many many years ago but on entering I realised I’ve never been here before.
I would say this is a traditional ale house and a real surprise in Woolwich, it’s very spacious inside with a traditional interior, plenty of seating around the sides but it has an uncluttered feel. Wood panelling with a wooden bar and bar top.
6 hand pumps on the bar with a couple of guest ales, I went for a pint of Westerham’s Grass Hopper @ 3.8%. A really poor pint that tasted like it was off, but to be honest I think it was the beer more than the condition.
Half full with everyone being locals & regulars, horse racing on the tele in the back seating area. On the way to the toilets make sure you stop and take a look at the 2 lizards in their vivarium, apparently they are called Ronnie & Reggie.
A decent and friendly pub that is worth a visit, along with the Woolwich Equitable (new Antic pub), The Great Harry (‘Spoons) & The Dial Arch (Young’s)…drinking in Woolwich is looking up.
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What a great pub in the middle of Woolwich this is! Friendly and superb atmosphere every time we visit
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Use this pub quite regularly of a weekend,nice traditional boozer,sadly not many left in Woolwich,real ale available,excellent juke box.Never regretted visiting.
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This pub looks very attractive from the outside. But it is either closed for good or had failed to open on a Bank Holiday Monday afternoon. So it's a big fat 0/10 from me, as no beer was being served.
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In the CAMRA 2012 Good Beer Guide and deservedly so
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Revisited this pub a couple of days ago after a gap of 2 years or so, and found it much improved. Friendly service, good choice of beers (inc Woolwich Ferry at �2 50 a pint, and excellent Sharp's Stout), good simple pub-grub rolls, and friendly atmosphere with interesting quirks (eg the river-scene mural and the lizards in their vivarium - a bit of a change from the usual pub dog/cat!). Something of a locals' pub, but non-locals are made to feel welcome too. A backstreet gem, to which I shall undoubtedly return.
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There's a sign above the bar "prices may vary depending on customer attitude".
We had some great real ales when we were there on Thursday night and it was pretty full, and for me confirmed itself as a damn good Woolwich drinking venue.
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Four real ale drinkers in my party made an effort to visit this pub over last weekend for a beer festival. I wanted to like and support this pub as a CAMRA member who appreciates good community pubs. This one, sadly, proved unwelcoming to 'outsiders', I felt. An order on the second round was grudgingly served, wrongly delivered and wrong change given. When I asked staff - politely - to rectify this, they closed ranks to deny my rightful claim, refusing to rectify their mistake, except by eventually offering me (more than) my money back and telling me I could leave - not the remedy I was seeking! My three companions, at various stages of drinking-up, and one of whom had to then cancel an order for food, decided to leave with me. I certainly won't be going back, and wasn't sure if I'd been 'excluded'. The staff that night (family?) would seemingly rather argue the toss over a half pint than value their reputation and new customers. I was gratuitously insulted into the bargain by the young man I complained to who said he was the manager. Not the best way to run a pub or gain credibility among serious real ale drinkers, in my opinion.
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Used to be a little gem in the days of Dave and Jackie, but sadly not so now.
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if you like rough and ready then this is the place for you, I popped in with the misses just before christmas and the land lady who I've never seen on my previous visits took the trouble to come over and have a chat,the ale I tried wasn't up to much but the one all the regulars where drinking looked top notch, I've noticed that before in here that they all seem to stick to the same beer,it's not really the sort of place to take some one on a date, but when ever I've been in your allways made to feel welcome and end up chatting to the locals, apart from the(harmless) incoherant drunk who i think took a shine to my missus,who was a bit irritating, I really liike it here, definately no frills, and it's probably best to see what the regulars are drinking before ordering the ale
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The word 'unprepossessing' may well have, as its dictionary definition, a picture of the Rose in Woolwich. The inside is a bit tired (and by 'a bit' I mean 'very'), dark and slightly tatty. The side door leads into an allyway littered with cigarette butts and garbage, and the loos are in desperate need of updating. However, don't let appearances put you off.
A friend and I have nicknamed this pub 'The Mended Drum' - many, if not most of the clientele seem to have an injury or ailment of some description. Yet, I have rarely been so unconditionally welcomed by staff and punters alike.
I have at times been the only woman in there, and yet, I have never, ever felt uncomfortable. There is an aging male Staffy as the pub dog, who couldn't be friendlier (and a recent addition of a Staff puppy bitch - so cute!)
They normally have two or three real ales on. We have had a couple of 'duff' pints, however, these have been exchanged upon request with no questions asked.
The prices are London prices, at around �3.00 a pint of bitter. This is a tadge steep, but not out of the ordinary. They do not, as far as I can tell, do food, and nor do they take credit cards.
SE London is not really my 'patch', so I've not often visited, yet despite its appearance, I would happily visit the Rose again, and, indeed do when I am in the area.
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I was at a loose end Friday evening, and was going to pop into The Great Harry, but I thought I'd make the effort and walk the extra 5 mins to Roses as I've been threatening to give it anither go for ages, nothing seems to have changed since my last visit about three years ago, exept it looked a lot cleaner allthough the decor is still very dated, it adds to the proper ale drinkers pub feel to the place, I tried a pint of somthing called HMS Ajax from a Somerset brewery, which was very good, i had a couple of those before I thought I'd give one of the other two pumps a go, unfortunalely this one was a bit passed it's best and managed only about half when I thought I'd go back to the Ajax, when I mentioned the beer was not quite right it was replaced for the Ajax,the place wasn't to busy for a Friday night, but the regular drinkers at the bar were friendly and chatty, and i felt as if I'd been going in regularly for years, and would certainly use it again
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I was at a loose end Friday evening, and was going to pop into The Great Harry, but I thought I'd make the effort and walk the extra 5 mins to Roses as I've been threatening to give it anither go for ages, nothing seems to have changed since my last visit about three years ago, exept it looked a lot cleaner allthough the decor is still very dated, it adds to the proper ale drinkers pub feel to the place, I tried a pint of somthing called HMS Ajax from a Somerset brewery, which was very good, i had a couple of those before I thought I'd give one of the other two pumps a go, unfortunalely this one was a bit passed it's best and managed only about half when I thought I'd go back to the Ajax, when I mentioned the beer was not quite right it was replaced for the Ajax,the place wasn't to busy for a Friday night, but the regular drinkers at the bar were friendly and chatty, and i felt as if I'd been going in regularly for years, and would certainly use it again
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I was at a loose end Friday evening, and was going to pop into The Great Harry, but I thought I'd make the effort and walk the extra 5 mins to Roses as I've been threatening to give it anither go for ages, nothing seems to have changed since my last visit about three years ago, exept it looked a lot cleaner allthough the decor is still very dated, it adds to the proper ale drinkers pub feel to the place, I tried a pint of somthing called HMS Ajax from a Somerset brewery, which was very good, i had a couple of those before I thought I'd give one of the other two pumps a go, unfortunalely this one was a bit passed it's best and managed only about half when I thought I'd go back to the Ajax, when I mentioned the beer was not quite right it was replaced for the Ajax,the place wasn't to busy for a Friday night, but the regular drinkers at the bar were friendly and chatty, and i felt as if I'd been going in regularly for years, and would certainly use it again
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The new (last 1.5 years) / current landlady (forgotten her name) keeps the beers great. She the one running the place out of the present guys under Terry's ownership (wouldnt know him if I met him). The fella there, John is a largerite and seems to just take a back seat. The two youngs lads probably are too but its still a great gaff. The new murals are fab and unique. Same old crowd, same juke box. Much much better lighting in the place now (you can actually see if the darts are being thrown now and the players can see the board). They've been toying with the concept of reupholstering the bench seats but it may not be worth it - they've about 2-3 years on the lease I've heard with all the re-dev going on to the rear. Thus and as I've said before - if you're one of these Greater London based so called 'real ale fanatics' who "havent got around to getting here as yet / oh it's just too far away" (pathetic) - you lot use the place before it does get shut down for good!
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havn't used this pub sinse Dave sold up as i didn't think the new owners would carry on where he left off,but judging by the favourable reviews i might give it another go instead of using the pretty souless JDW's great harry up the road
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30/05/08 app. 21:45: The usual 4 out of 6 pumps on. One finnished. 2 nelson - 1 light, 1 dark (mild) / 1 Oakleaf. Well I love it here. The new W'wich dockyard murals are really good and add a nice dimension. The pumps were polished up beautifull and its much cleaner than of yore (& dare I say it beers better). Nice family who run it - sterling job. Long term future uncertain - SO USE IT!!!!!! Nice to still see former govna's Dave & Jackie on occasions. Can look intimidating to some, esp in light that essentially the place hasnt changed since 60's (?) but I tell you, one of the friendliest pubs I frequent.
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Visited on Sunday 18th.Nice pub and good atmosphere.3 ales on when I was there one being a tasty mild (can't remember the name of it). They had a two piece band on which was enjoyable. It's not too far from the Woolwich Ferry too.The area is a bit rough but don't let it put you off,at least they have some beer!
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Six handpumps but only three in action and GDS was luckier than us because on Sat two of those were mainstream Spitfire & Youngs, other was Cottage Merchant Navy, none of the 7 guests listed at the bar were available. The pub has a good local feel, a dartboard has its own space to the left of the entrance, horse-racing on large tv at far end.
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Came in before and after the Charlton game on Saturday. 6 handpumps although only three were on at any one time. There seemed to be a lot of Fuller's material around the place but no Fuller's beer. When we got there they had Cottage Wheel Tappers, Coach House St George's and Millstone Vale Mill. Beers were replaced by Oxforshire Marshmellow and Hampshire Tale of the Dragon.
A few bottles but not as good a range as is suggested by the GBG. Hot steak baguettes were good value at �2.50.
If you are an away supporter visiting the Valley well worth considering coming to this friendly pub to avoid the crowds. There was a minor ruck going on when we got back after the game, dispute over a darts match I think!
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Visited for the first time since the change of ownership and apart from the removal of the dog pictures is much the same as hitherto. As others have said it's a basic old-style pub with many maturer clients. Pub dog seems welcoming. I particularly like the painting of the Woolwich Ferries to the right of the bar. Beers pleasing.
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i think the new owner is trying his best to get roses up to where it should belong
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This pub will close on the 29 July 2007. Future uncertain as the rumours in the pub say that the winning bidders �800K cheque bounced !
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I am told the lease is expiring in the not too distant future and, with the area up for redevelopment, the current hosts have decided to retire from the trade. This is a great shame. Make the most of the pub while you can.
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Yes it is a bit run-down but, well, some pubs have that appeal. Dave runs it his way! 5 handpumps - he's actuallt a larger drinker himself. True!
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FYI: Roses (real name Prince Alfred) is, or at least should be a museum piece. Some reviewers have given it "old" ot "trad" -well, its a bit more special than that! I have seen photos (kept in the pub) taken in the late 60's and those who were there at the time will tell you - it aint changes a bit-literally!
Trouble is - its closing in a few weeks (posted: 18 June 2007)so go there while you can, as the likelyhood of it remaining as is, is pretty damn remote. And for you London-based ale fans who "have never got around to going there because you think its a bit tricky to get to" (dont get me started again on that one)WE HAVE WEEKENDS-its easy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Went in there a few weeks ago. The beer was good and it is very traditional in style but unfortunately bordering on the grotty, especially the Gents toilet. It really needs a good clean up!
I have read in the local freebie paper that this area of Woolwich is due for redevelopment in the next few years - could be the end for Rose's?
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Absolutely top pub. The beers are always varied and in superb condition, the rolls are fantastic (half an onion in the cheese rolls!), the pub itself a hark back to how pubs used to be and should be, the regulars and service very friendly.
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definatly the best pub in woolwich if your looking for a traditional pub and a decent pint of real ale,e17 must of gone in on a bad day as I've allways found it friendly if a bit shabby
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Should be a great pub but it looks like the management have got lazy & are resting on their laurels. I came in here the first time a few months ago because I was visiting South of the water & it's the only GBG listed pub in Woolwich. Good beers, proper rolls at a decent price, but on the two occasions I've been in the barstaff have been grumpy and unhelpful (eg when the jukebox malfunctioned) and the place has a general feel of rundown grubbiness. If I was a new recruit to CAMRA and this pub was my initiation, I'd recoil. Leave them out of the next GBG - it might make them get their act together.
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Fantastic traditional pub, very well keep ales. At about 12.30 - 12.45 Jackie comes down with the rolls, it does not get any better than this.
Love the Thames Tunnel and Friggin in the Riggin in fact all the beers we tried were great.
A mention must go to the Medieval Madness pinball table "start the trolls"
Could I have lasted 3 months in Woolwich without this place, I doubt it.
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I never spill a pint me. The thought of all that sensless waste fills me with the fear.
So my first visit here what do I do?
I spill my bloody pint! I was enjoying it too!
Kindly enough the lovely bar person gave me a free top up.
Nice atmosphere here, friendly locals, great beers.
Relaxing place, will always pop in when passing.
anonymous - 31 Aug 2006 14:59 |
A real gem, hard to beat for beer quality on my visits. Very friendly and rubbish music. Shame the rolls were off today. Not many like this, especially in South London -reminds me of the Cow & Calf (RIP) in Cambridge
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excellent traditional friendly pub, good place for a quiet pint of interesting beers.
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Great atmosphere, great beer and great service. What more can I say. I suggest that you should visit it if you want any of the above.
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It is a shame that rich had a bad pint on his first visit here as the beer is pretty much what its all about. It's also a shame that he didn't complain as he would have had his beer replaced instantly and without complaint and the offending article being taken off sale immediately. The beer quality and range in Roses is consistently superb and the atmosphere in the pub is always friendly (although it can be dead at certain times of day). There is also an excellent selection of Belgian beers. The pub has been in the Good beer guide every year for the last 10 years or so and this is not undeserved. The clientelle is very varied with a large number of regulars consisting of locals and local workers (particularly from the nearby University) and also a lot of people who visit specifically because of reccomendations / reputation within CAMRA / and because of its perpetual entry in the good beer guide.
If you like a good pint of real ale and are in Woolwich then you must look it out. If you are an enthusiast then you must seek it out.
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The word timewarp has already been used to decribe this pub, but I can't think of another more appropriate. Apart from the odd lick of paint it really looks much as it might have done 50 or more years ago, right down to minor details and fittings - which is fine by me, although it would get a bit boring if every pub was like that. However the quality of the beer on my visit left much to be desired. Three real ales from small breweries looked promising, but the first I sampled (Broadstone) was in very mediocre condition to say the least, and as I reached the end of my pint I noticed "bits" floating in the bottom of the glass. In hindsight I should have complained about it before drinking it. I risked a second (Brecknock this time) as I liked the pub, and it was much better than the first but still not quite as good as it ought to have been.
I don't often pass through Woolwich and the lack of appealing alternatives means I'd probably give Rose's a second chance, but it would take a vast improvement in beer quality for me to drink here regularly.
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I hesitate to recommend this pub at all, for fear that it might get too popular and its exclusive clientele suffer accordingly. Our 5-a-side footballers have been refreshing ourselves here for almost 15 years - if/when I return to Scotland my one regret, will be losing this marvellous pub, although it's handy for the City Airport, if you walk through the tunnel! Camra SE London pub of the year in 2003 Dave presides over a superb range of well-known and obscure real ales of varying strengths, and Jackie's rolls deserve a Michelin star! Friendly, unprepossessing and utterly unpretentious - an absolute gem!
Bill Gilby - 23 Jul 2004 13:46 |
Something of a time-warp, this freehouse is a quirky reminder of how pubs used to (and should, according to some) be. A constantly changing range of ales often from micro breweries are served on up to four handpumps by a friendly team. The landlord is a keen 50s/60s vinyl enthusiast, and the jukebox reflects this. It is well worth a visit. Some weekday evenings are rather quiet, though.
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