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Dog and Bell, Deptford

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user reviews of the Dog and Bell, Deptford

please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.

Looks like its had a make over. Immaculate, inside and out.

Traditional pub - possibly the only London pub with a Bar Skittles Table?

Four for five real ales on. I went safe for a perfect pint of London Pride at £3.80.

Worth seeking out. A near religious experience with the stained glass window and pew type seating. My type of Church.

Visit blogged at http://bit.ly/2nw0e2o
Mappiman - 2 Apr 2017 09:10
Still a reliably great pub. On my last visit, the Westerham Grasshopper was superb and they also had ELB's Jamboree on, another fine new ale. They've added an awning to the small courtyard at the back, so I was able to sit outside and enjoy the mild weather even though there was a little rain in the air.

Going in to see what today's beer selection is a real treat - there's always 3 or 4 new ales alongside the regulars from Fullers - London Pride and the classic ESB, as well as Gales Seafarers Ale. And they're always in good condition IME.

Sunday lunch is basic, no frills fare, just like your Mum used to make and great value. The Sunday quiz is set by a different person every week from a pool of enthusiasts and it always challenging but never the same.

If you live in the area, do support this pub, because it's one of a dying breed. It's like a micropub and a traditional community pub all rolled into one.

Bianconero - 9 Nov 2015 15:32
I came across this pub during a 'Charles Booth' walk through the streets of Deptford. You could see how many pubs there had been in Deptford High Street, now sadly gone, so to find the Dog and Bell was a very pleasant surprise. We only had time for a quick one, an excellent pint of Brockley Golden, but I vow to return to sample more of the superb range of beers they had on. I will not forget the face of a French guy on the walk who looked quizically at teh Dark Star 'Creme Brulee' pump clip - so funny. Anyway, if you're in Deptford, make for the Dog and Bell, you won't be disappointed.
TonyHom - 5 Jan 2015 07:37
Found this pub exploring Deptfords' backstreets.Delightful,traditional pub it had only been open about 30mins when I popped in to try it.I left 3 pints later having really enjoyed it's friendly,inviting atmosphere.Will definitely visit again.
stroller22 - 16 Oct 2014 19:13
Whisper it - but I was actually slightly disappointed. For sure, the ales are kept very well and there is a fine selection on rotation while the place is friendly, has backgammon and bar billiards.

But Deptford is on the up and whereas before, this will have seemed like a veritable oasis, it no longer stands out as the only decent place to go. A really good pub but not one of London's top 20 as many guides would seem to have it.
BoehmBawerk - 13 Oct 2013 12:01
Have not been down this way for a while. Excellent local boozer - few like this still around. Beer in very good condition. Excellent pint of pale ale from the Brockley Brewery, and Growler from Essex.
alebarry - 7 Jun 2013 15:27
On a spare Friday afternoon I sought this pub out as a 'tick' for the 2013 good beer guide.

A proper back street pub with a regular stream of customers no doubt a large amount of them coming here for the range of ales.

6 pumps that were dispensing 5 ales during my visit. 2 from Fullers of which 1 was the excellent ESB and 1 each from 3 guest breweries. I had a pint of Top Totty from Slaters, a decent IPA style beer.

A large amount of pump clips adorned the top of the bar, behind and down the wooden posts. These clips are from a vast array of breweries and show the huge selection that has been served here.

Wooden flooring through out with wooden church pue style seating near the bar. The side room is carparted with tables and chairs ready for diners enjoying the pub grub on offer.

The tele was on but it wasn't a concern and just provided back ground sound and vision. Local pictures and some framed art hang on the walls.

The pub has a lovely relaxed feel to it and is an ideal real ale pit stop being only a 10 minute walk from the Cutty Sark and Greenwich market.

lezford - 18 Feb 2013 13:07
Excellent mixture of local and CAMRA pub with five ales in good condition (Fullers ESB and Pride and three microbrewery guests). Basic food is also served with generous proportions.
Smallish one room pub on two levels hidden away from Deptford High Street.
Only complaint permeating smell of old chip fat especially at back of pub by the toilets (and the kitchen).
simontheeditor - 31 Dec 2012 17:30
This is an awful place. Stay away. I mean it stay away.

Right now that the goldfish attention span masses have left. Lean in a bit and I'll tell you a secret.

This pub is bloody fantastic. Quiet, no screaming children. No chavs. No loud music. Just a classic pub with an excellent and well kept range of beers. Friendly, cozy, and everything a great pub should be. Don't tell anyone its a secret.
Zaphod - 24 Jan 2012 16:33
Have been meaning to come here for a while. I finally paid a fleeting visit this Tuesday afternoon. Whilst Deptford is not a particularly inspiring area, I found the Dog and Bell to be a relatively friendly establishment. 5 ales were on - Fullers London Pride & ESB, Tring Shepherd's Delight, Triple fff Alton's Pride & Plain Ales Lords-a-Leapin'. Sadly there are no real ciders. Stowford Press is the alternative. Would visit again if ever in the area.
blue_scrumpy - 29 Dec 2011 22:47
Dog and Bell First Cider and Perry Festival with 7 Ciders and 3 Perrys, 23 and 24 September
Cider
CASTLE MEDIUM
GWYNTYDDRAIG MEDIUM
RICH MEDIUM SWEET
O SIR MEDIUM
RATHAYS OLD GOAT DRY
MILLWHITES SCRUMPY MEDIUM
MILLWHITES MEDIUM

Perry
ROSS ON WYE
HECKS
GWYNTYDDRAIG

Spanish Tapas And Buffet Available On Saturday Night


Trinker - 21 Sep 2011 22:51
Notes from a visit of Apr 4th, 2008:
Went out of my way to visit this one on my way to a gig tonight.
Yes, the table is still there. It's in a nice little side room that reminded me of the one at the Star and Tipsy Toad in Jersey.
It's a Bar Billiards Ltd one, so I wouldn't imagine it will be there for much longer. (I was pushed for time so did not engage the landlord in a discussion on it).
Shamefully downhill (wasn't anywhere near to getting the break as everything raced onto the pegs) but nothing radically wrong with it that a bit of levelling and TLC wouldn't cure.
Probably one of the last bastions in London of a dying game. Which for me seems a great pity.
tommo5 - 25 Jul 2011 23:30
Excellent pub. Popped in last Sunday afternoon for a pint and found to the beer to be on good form with a decent selection at reasonable prices. One thing that struck in particular with the relaxing nature of the place, a real 'weight off your shoulders' kind of place. Might even pop back in for the Sunday night quiz, reputedly run by a bunch of volunteers.
race_faster - 22 Jul 2011 11:27
The Dark Star Hophead and the Westerham and Nethergate beers which they often serve should not be missed. A friendly, traditional pub with a Sunday night quiz to challenge what is left of the grey matter. Off the beaten track but transport connections are pretty good.
16jamesdoc - 16 Jul 2011 12:41
I've said nice things about this place in the past. But, I've visited twice in the last 6 months, early evening, and the beer has been rather tired tasting and the place has been lacking in atmosphere.
alebarry - 7 Jun 2011 18:53
Excellent. A proper pub run by proper people with a good choice of ales kept in top condition and served with a smile at a very acceptable price. Food may appear to be basic pub stuff, but 8 of us ate and pronounced it as good as the beer both in terms of quality and price. If I lived in London I would be here rather a lot. As it is, I will certainly be back soon.
Stamfordian - 14 Feb 2011 10:35
SPBW London Pub of the Year.
flashharry1965 - 10 Dec 2010 11:33
Visited again Saturday afternoon, watching Wales v Australia rugby and Final Score washed down with Rudgate Battleaxe, Grasshopper (? can't remember the brewery) Nethergate Old Chap and Budvar Dark.

As usual the beer was in excellent condition, the welcome friendly, the atmosphere relaxed and the pub nicely clean and tidy. Why then was it nearly empty? Come on SE London - support this great pub!

PS: annual pickle contest Saturday 27th Nov.
flashharry1965 - 11 Nov 2010 13:11
The Dog & Bell has been voted best pub in London by SPBW for the 4th time in 10 years - quite an accolade and a tribute to Charlie and Eileen who know how to do things properly. I enjoyed Dark Star Hophead today as well as Whitstable Bohemian Lager, both served in immaculate condition.
ed.spbw - 21 Oct 2010 19:24
This is a really great little pub. They take care of a decent selection of ales, Sharpes and Alton Pride spring to mind from last night. The food was really good, actual food, not freezer rubbish for about 6 quid a plate and they even had a few nice open bottles of wine. I don't know what else you want.. bar billiards, yep, that too.
dan88 - 16 Oct 2010 09:53
The Lymestone Stonefaced in great shape today. Which beers are on tomorrow? � probably some originating somewhere between Orkney and Whitstable. Oh yes, the pub�s pickle contest is on Saturday 27 Nov. Winners are decided by peer review and public scrutiny, all to be consumed with cheeses bread and crackers! Mmmmm
Trinker - 2 Sep 2010 19:45
Really nice pub, good looking food too.

Great selection of ales, would happily revisit.

And we had travelled from Cricklewood.
burns20 - 26 Aug 2010 11:42
Consistently good beer and everything � though nothing in this world is perfect except of course the love of Jesus.
Trinker - 2 Jul 2010 08:39
Fine, traditional local situated in a quiet back street midway between Deptford station and the River Thames.

It's a small bare boarded single bar, but with an additional much larger and comfortable carpeted seating area up a few steps on the right in what I imagine is an extension in to next door from the original pub.This larger area has yellowish and turquoise walls, giving it a rather modernish feel. There's some artwork on the walls and, unusually, a bar billiards table at the far end. On the mantlepiece above the fireplace are two local CAMRA branch award certificates. There's also a certificate from a rival pub website - which I shall refrain from mentioning here - awarding the pub first place in its London Pub of the Year competition in 2004.

The pub is a CAMRA GBG regular and, on my recent visit, beers on were London Pride, ESB ( I gather these two are regulars ), Westerham Freedom, Dark Star Over The Moon and Hogs Back Light Ale. The Westerham Freedom - � 2.85p - was a fine pint. Notable, and worthy of specific comment, are the reasonableness of the beer prices here. London Pride and ESB were � 2.90p and � 3.00p, which is probably as cheap as you're likely to get them outside of one of the major pubco's. I have to say that I do like visiting a well known pub like this and not get the feeling you're being taken for a ride.

I formed the view that this is a clean, well run hospitable establishment which is well worth seeking out
JohnBonser - 9 Apr 2010 10:28
Nice pub this one and a good one if your an away fan going to Millwall...quality beer, good friendly service and about 30 min walk to the ground......shame about the match...MFC 4 CAFC 0....still can't have it all.
MSE12 - 14 Mar 2010 11:07
Lovely little pub.

Friendly efficient staff and reasonable prices.

Sampled the London Pride which was excellent.
zapsincl - 5 Feb 2010 22:12
Fantastic pub. Reminds me very much of the best pubs in Cambridge ... off the beaten track / coal fire / range of Belgian beers / very friendly staff.

Why can't all pubs be like this? I really wish this was my local. Stowford Press on draught as well.

The lady who owns it couldn't have been more friendly. Had a good chat with her and she made us feel so welcome on our first visit.

I don't normally bother that much about cleanliness in pubs, but I must say, everything including the toilets are totally spotless.

Brilliant place.
Pat_Bateman - 18 Jan 2010 10:59
Great back street boozer serving well kept beer from various brewers. A place for conversation or a quiet, thoughtful pint. Worth making the short trip from London Bridge and short walk from Deptford station.
alebarry - 15 Dec 2009 09:11
This pub is having it's annual pickles, jams, and preserves competition on Saturday, November 28th at 7pm. That's right....a pickle contest....on a Saturday night. Should give you an idea about the clientelle.
topdog_andy - 22 Nov 2009 14:53
I guess there may have once been a hundred backstreet pubs a bit like this one within a 5-mile radius. However, most of these have now gone and very few would ever have offered the range of beer you get here. Nothing obviously special inside or out, but clean and tidy and a warm welcome when you enter. Five real ales on, including a fine Gadds Oatmeal Stout. First rate.
rpadam - 30 Oct 2009 23:10
Oh, two thinks worth adding - very reasonable prices for London: �2.75 - �3.00 and a bewildering range of continental bottled beers: Belgian fruits, German wheats etc.
flashharry1965 - 14 Oct 2009 13:54
I have been wanting to visit this pub for ages and finally managed to get here Saturday aftenoon - I wasn't disappointed.
The windows have lots of old GBG stickers and there are various award certificates on display inside, the quality of the beer was certainly testimony to these. Dark Star Hophead, Moorehouse Pride of Pendle and Whitstable Pearl of Kent were all tried and were all in prime form and very tasty. ESB and Pride were also on hand pump but not tried.
Also avaliable on draught were Strongbow, Carlsberg (why?) and Guinness; also (here's where it gets better) draught Budvar and draught Dark Budvar, a couple of which I just had to try: a gorgeously smoky pint.
Maldenman has very accuratly described the layout of the Dog and Bell. Iparticularly liked the pictures of the former Deptford Odeon where we were sitting and the presence of a bar billiards table.
The atmosphere of the pub was nicely relaxed, the welcome friendly and the food which started to be served in the evening looked good and reasonably priced.
I will certainly be getting back here pretty soon, if I can find it again! It is really tucked away in the back streets of Deptford and your best bet is to get here by following the Thames Path as said below.
Recommended!
flashharry1965 - 14 Oct 2009 10:48
This is a very nice pub. It's a shame that it's often quite quiet. It's in a shabby area, but the landlord and lady are extremely welcoming, and the locals aren't scary. Please go there.
crossfield - 13 Jul 2009 17:30
Fine example of a proper pub. An absolute gem.
nickthefish - 9 Jul 2009 09:42
What a great pub!
bigfat - 15 Jun 2009 16:24
I really love this place, was looking around for a new pub to check out and this one really hits the mark, very cool and I love the name! Will def be coming back!
fionafi - 21 May 2009 18:01
A pleasant back street oasis situated on an "inland" section of The Thames Path National Trail. The main bar area has original wooden floors and tables with old church pew seating. The L shaped area beyond wraps around and contains a bar billiard table plus some further more traditional chairs and tables. This area is carpetted and also contains a few reference books and board games. The decor is bright with green panelling and plenty of modern art pictures as well as of the old locality.
A pleasant atmosphere with a group of regulars happily chatting at the bar this afternoon. The high top of the bar is covered in old beer mats.
Pride, ESB, Nethergate Priory Mild, Batemans XXXB, Cotleigh Tawny Owl were the selection, well kept and a first rate spot, well recommended.
Maldenman - 15 May 2009 23:28
My favourite pub! Since the current licensees started in 1988 this moderate sized friendly back-street pub has received many awards and commendations for the quality of its guest, constant, and seasonal beers. It also does meals which are uncomplicated and match its traditional pub atmosphere. I�ve been drinking here on and off for some years and I really do appreciate it!

It boasts the rarity of a working bar-billiard table. Sunday evenings are quiz night, And a yearly highlight is its pickle festival � this light hearted event puts peoples home cooking to the tasting and voting of customers.

Trinker - 23 Mar 2009 13:17
The Dog & Bell deserves all praise. Heard about the Dog & Bell years ago, but took ages to get round to paying a visit. It won�t be long before we�ll be back. It�s heaven, in an area that doesn�t seem to have much to offer the real-ale drinker.
grumpy_old_owl - 9 Feb 2009 11:03
This is an excellent backstreet boozer. I can well see why it featured on dpv�s and Trainman�s top 10 London pubs. They had five ales on when I dropped in during a weekday early afternoon � ESB; Pride: Archers Best; Nethergate Monk�s Habit; and Whitstable Brewery�s Pearl of Kent. I had the Pearl of Kent (�2.70 a pint) and the Monk�s Habit (�2.60) and both were superb.

The pub consists of two bars. The �main� bar is bare-boarded with what looks like original boarding. There was no music playing (bliss!), and an unobtrusive television showing a bowls match of all things. The main seating is provided by what appears to be some re-cycled church pews. The other bar is carpeted, with some normal tables and chairs, and features a bar billiards table.

You would certainly not go to this pub for the view � roadworks framed against a backdrop of an enormous brick wall. This is one of those pubs that does not have any special physical features worth mentioning, but whose character and appeal comes from its very simplicity and the welcoming feel that it exudes. There is no doubt about it � this is a top pub with great beer.

RexRattus - 11 Nov 2008 18:10
A friendly, traditional pub serving excellent ale and very tasty, fairly-priced food. The landlord was a very nice chap, nothing was too much trouble. Looking forward to my next visit.
somertel - 10 Nov 2008 21:27
Congrats to Charlie & Eileen - the Dog & Bell has just been voted London Pub of the Year by SPBW (Society for the Preservation of Beers from the Wood), third time in 8 years they've won this prestigious award. A real traditional pub with friendly welcome, efficient service, superb beers (draught and bottled) and good food. Don't miss it.
ed.spbw - 24 Oct 2008 00:23
This is not in the most pleasing of surroundings - the pub is dead opposite the old dock wall - a high and intimidating slab of bare brick. It's also in Deptford, not a place of great pubs or many outlets for good ale. However, it has had a reputation for serving good beer and good food, and for providing a haven for Guardian readers for some years now, so I was very keen on popping in.

The pub is very welcoming and has plenty of warm, woody character. 6 cask ales on offer - Pride, IPA and four guests. Free newspapers. Large plainly decorated rooms with wooden tables and pew benches. Bare wood floor.

There are three main rooms, the one on the right has a bar billiards table. There is a small, pleasant courtyard at the back.

Good place. Score 8.


SilkTork - 10 Oct 2008 12:48
Was in again yesterday and had a lovely vegetarian lunch and pints of Dark Star Best-delicious!

Miles007 - 29 Sep 2008 13:18
I AM TOTALLY AGREE WITH MKGSTR! LOVELY LITTLE PLACE QUITE GOOD FOOD !AND WONDERFUL COUPLE WHO OWN THE PLACE!!
mariloup - 6 Aug 2008 17:53
lovely little place round the back streets of Deptford, far and away the most civil pubs left in the area. Nice friendly atmosphere, little beer garden as well. Can be pretty quiet as a previous poster said but very much preferential to moronic Millwall fans as you can get in some round the area.
mkgster - 29 Jul 2008 18:43
Good to see Charlie and Eileen back at the helm; no disrespect to the former licensees but the pub just feels better again (speaking as a very occasional visitor). Superb selection of guest ales on Friday - Red Squirrel mild, Whitstable East India Pale Ale, Dark Star Solstice, all at �2.50 or less. In every way a superb pub.
ed.spbw - 14 Jun 2008 19:54
I worry for its future once the gastropubbed Duke opens in September. Will be interesting to see if it can survive a probable hoover up of middle class customers (see The Dolphin in Sydenham and the Dartmouth Arms in Forest Hill which are run by those taking on The Duke).
JonW999 - 10 Jun 2008 22:48
As a very semi-regular(!)I'd say don't listen to all the "hard to find" tosh. Use a damn road map-not rocket science. Literally 5 mins walk from Eveyln St, up Watergate St - directly opp D'ford Hi St. There - made it easy for ya! Always three rotating guests - always VERY good. Recent managmental parting of ways, owners now again at the helm. Its a community and an ale pub. Clean and well lit. Regulars vary greatly in type. Like any pub - you get to know folk, folk talk / folk vary. Not too many football wanters and those that are here are not idiotts. Can be like a damn morgue on occasions though, gets really frighteningly quiet. Sunday eves busy on quizz night. Nice courtyard in summer. Ale wise - one of Londons very best mate! Occasional surprises here. the D&G (Charlies), like the Wen, the Traf, Roses, the Blythe Hill Tav, the Sultan etc - getting to know these people and they're lives and sharing the banter: I'll tell you, theres noting better in all the world!
operationmindcrime - 3 Jun 2008 18:13
I've been here twice in the last week and
I urge you to go for the beer,not only is it extremely well kept,it's a very nice pub and
so are the people.Prices are good too.
Miles007 - 19 May 2008 09:42
First visit since my review nearly 3 years ago. Whilst the place hasn�t altered in any visible way from my previous visit, I can�t help thinking it wasn�t as good as I remembered. The emphasis is still on the Ale selection although the beers available the night we were there were rather tame once you have inspected the clip collection above the bar. I resorted to the Allgate Mild at Heart as my first pint despite not being a mild drinker simply because the other choices were a bit too reglar (although I must say that it was one of the most palatable milds I have sampled). Maybe it was just an unlucky day but things were not helped by a few raucous locals who went unchecked by the staff. Nevertheless, the D&B remains the best (and probably only) pub in Deptford for Ales it still has a lot going for it. The plain unfussy interior has defied any attempts to go overly trendy and it is good to see such traditions as bar billiards present. The basic TV is yet to suck up to nightly football and it generally radiates a quite civilised ambience in an area where you would not generally expect much civility. Overall, not as great as I had remembered but I would put it down to an unlucky evening. It is still well worth seeking out and absolutely streets ahead of any of its local competitors.
RogerB - 14 May 2008 13:58
Pride, ESB, plus 3 excellent guests, Gravesend Shrimpers, Itchen Valley Godfather, Dark Star Over the Moon, all in excellent shape. Nice �pew� seating next to large front windows, the side/rear room has plenty of conventional tables/chairs, some new artwork, an unused victorian style fireplace and bar-billiard table at far end. I have a note stating that there is a paved beer garden, although memory is somewhat hazy on that. Nice ambience, and good to see the new guv (Irish = well-run bar) maintaining the attractive beer selection offered by his predecessor.
trainman - 28 Apr 2008 11:53
Can only be described as a surreal experience. Wandering down a back street in Deptford passed a disused wharf and an abandoned pub, I think my jaw dropped simply finding a pub that was open, let alone one with ads for Trappist Rochefort on the exterior. At first I did a double take, thinking it must be a movie set, or that someone clubbed me across the head and I was having a Life on Mars moment, but no, it was a real, functioning pub in the middle of nowhere (sorry Deptforders, but let's be honest here).

Anyway, I wasn't particularly thirsty, but I just had to go in for a beer to make sure it wasn't an illusion. Sure enough, they had about 4 or 6 hand pulls, and I'd guess about 30 Belgian beers in the fridge. I opted for the Rochefort 8 (I felt a bit bewildered already, no point holding back on the light stuff).

This is just a very, very odd place. It's a normal run down South London boozer in terms of building/decor/clientelle, in a location that shouldn't be able to sustain trade (like it's boarded up neighbour), that happens to have the best selection of beer east of The Rake. The prices are also excellent - the 8 (�3) costing me less than half what a 10 cost me in The Rake the week before. I don't know if I'll go back - it's not often I think "I think I'll go out in Deptford tonight" - but if for some reason you happen to be around here, definitely stop in. It needs to be seen and supported before it gets turned into a flat, estate agent, or fringe Christian cult "church" like most other pubs in Deptford.
topdog_andy - 2 Mar 2008 00:54
Nice pints of Pitch Black when I went in on Sunday. Adam and his wife are leaving at the end of the month, with, I believe, Charlie & Eileen coming back to run the place. Hopefully some food will continue as Adam's cooking has always been superb.
JonW999 - 19 Feb 2008 18:54
I havn't been in sinse the new landlord took over,used to live a stones throw,so was lucky enough for it to be my local,still seems to have hung on to the great reputation built up over the years by the previos landlord, really interesting mix of locals, regulars and the occasional international celeb
vinnnie - 8 Feb 2008 12:45
Great pub,3 guest ales I must say the Ascot stout(5/%) was lovely. Visited today (sunday) wish I'd had foodit looked good and a vegetarian option too which is good cos I'm one! Worth a visit-a proper pub with a good range of ales on tap and in bottles and some of that chemical fizz(FOSTER'S etc ) that some like to drink for reasons unknown.
Miles007 - 28 Oct 2007 17:00
Biased because it's my local, but in general I'd say Adam keeps a good range of beers on - the fact you can always get a decent pint of Pride in addition to 3 or 4 other ales says a lot! Good fish and chips and curries too. We are indeed lucky to have this one in Deptford.
pipsby - 27 Sep 2007 14:34
Fullers Pride & ESB plus 3 guests incl Nethergate and Pictish. I enjoyed them but felt that some people travelling here might expect a juxtaposition of different beer styles in the guest rotation - these were all golden ales. Still, the locals are very lucky to have this in their area, or would be if they'd turn that ludicrously loud talk radio down behind the bar - as if I need reminding how expensive my mortgage is getting while I'm having a pint!
trainman - 27 Sep 2007 14:24
If you like youre Real Ale - Adam has made this one of London's absolute best. It was great when Charlie & Eileen ran it then some say the beer went down but its been fantastic for ages, it realy has! Try the Alehouse series from Verulum. Served in tip-top form!
(Just did a lengthy piece that didnt get posted.Wasnt just about the beer either. Oh well.] Paul.
operationmindcrime - 22 Sep 2007 13:41
[.....and 'Yes', Jools - we WERE drinking real beer.Schehalion is apparently technically classed as a "Real Lager" due to the bottom only fermentation but beeries drink it as Beer!!
Aint seen you lately!].
operationmindcrime - 22 Sep 2007 13:36
A group of us non-smokers went along to the Dog and Bell on Sunday to celebrate the first day of the new law and to show some solidarity for great back-street boozers such as this. We are doing a tour of the SE London pubs as they seem worried that trade will be hit. No such problems on Sunday; the place was packed, the smokers can use the garden which they all did without a murmur and the pub (which could get very smoky on a quiz night) stayed delightful all evening. Everyone wins, I reckon and I am sure the pubs will see a gradual drift to a new clientele who shunned pubs before precisely because they were smoky.
anonymous - 3 Jul 2007 14:32
Great atmosphere, an excellent selection of beers, good quality pub food too.
dpv - 8 May 2007 14:38
Went for the Quiz last night and the beer selection was as good as I can remember; two great,hoppy and light bitters especially deserve mention. And in top nick too.
Camraboy - 7 May 2007 13:54
cracking little pub. Went back there the other day for first time in a while. Great pint of Farmers Ale and a couple of games of bar billiards. Good place to spend a Sunday.
suckling - 27 Mar 2007 16:55
A pub I like to visit as often as I can. Good to see it's not changed at all with the beer quality up to scratch. The location may be unpromising but lovers of good beer in surroundings to match won't be disappointed.
ed.spbw - 5 Mar 2007 19:58
Continues to be a great place to visit. Warm, friendly atmosphere. Great service by Adam whenever I have been in there and it is clearly a much loved pub by those who go regularly. And good range of beers.
JonW999 - 16 Feb 2007 11:03
One of the best. I travel some way to come here now and again and seldom regret it. The beer is exceptional and there are very few beer bores to worry about. (You know who you are) It's tricky to find and the locale will keep the tourists away so hooray for that. keep up the good work.
crampsfan - 14 Feb 2007 16:45
Hi just to let you know had another fab night at the dog, fab beer, fab company, it just gets better the more i vist
deptford_joe - 11 Oct 2006 22:41
On favorite. Tried the food the other night and that was really good too.
MrScott - 14 Sep 2006 12:18
Absolutely fantastic, great guest beers , very friendly atmosphere and superb food, amazing little pub tucked away in Deptford, jewel in the desert. I would also highly recommend the king Prawn curry,which you can even specify how hot you want it with fresh chilies!!it's gorgeous! not at all what you would expect from a pub
The other good thing about this pub, is it has no sky tv, just traditional games such as bar billiards & of course great beer!
Can't wait to go back


Jonred - 27 Apr 2006 11:45
well what can i say a lovely pub that served guest ales and hada tradiional feel about the place, honestly priced food and a good atmosphere... what wen wrong, i can tell you. it is now filled with larger louts who swear at the bar and the landlord and lady care not one jot. i used to enjoy a nice real ale with a meal now i feel like they are trying to empty my wallet as soon as i walk in the door add to this an unfriedly service that is slow you have badly run establishment who, it seems, encourage large louts i would recommened this pub to nobobdy at all its a far cry from pub of the year
ilovepubs - 7 Apr 2006 12:54
well worth the trawl through deepest Deptford to find this gem of a pub, friendly attentive staff, good choice of beers and belgium ales. Food is top quality and execellent value for money - in short everything a proper pub should be. I'll be back .
moclips2002 - 26 Mar 2006 10:24
By the way you can keep your bike in the small patio garden. Bar staff are really cool about people wheeling their bikes through to the back of the pub. Ans as its out of the way this is a definite plus.
JamesW - 16 Mar 2006 02:00
Best pub in Deptford. Well okay that's not hard. It's one of the best pubs in South East London and maybe all London too. It's a bit out of the way. But it's worth looking up. I recommend going to Deptford Market on Saturday and then taking a walk or cycle to the Dog and Bell for their fantastic bitters for lunch and then pop down to Greenwich Market and the Cutty Sark. This pub has an amazing range of bitters and ales of all sorts. It has bar billiards which for those not in the know, is an old fashioned pub game. Has pub quiz on Sundays. Could do with a dart board and some live music and then would be almost perfect.
JamesW - 16 Mar 2006 01:50
Was slightly discouraged by the dimly lit street leading to the Dog and Bell, but was more than glad I made the trip. The sort of pub that is usually prefixed with the words decent and proper. Decent beers, Shoreditch Stout which was a new one to me, and a local feel. Didn't have any food, but saw that it was possible to order 5 oysters for under a fiver, so maybe next time. Reading the reviews below, I hope they put on another pickle festival, sounds perfect.
suckling - 17 Feb 2006 10:39
I made a special trip to the D and B, quite a long ride from Dalston via the IOD and Greenwich tunnel. Well worth it for a fine pint of Arundel Castle, a yard to keep my push bike safe (absolutely no where to lock the bike up outside) and a generally relaxed and pleasant feel to the place. Food looked decent as it passed aswell. Pity I don't live more locally!
danrkelly - 17 Feb 2006 01:47
Excellent pub in Deptford back street with superb range of (lethal) Belgian beers. Had sausage and mash last time I went which was absolutely lovely.
JonW999 - 14 Feb 2006 14:01
I went to the Belgian Beer night they had last night and it was great; loads of food and a big range of beers. The place was pretty packed, so I imagine it was a success.
Camraboy - 29 Jan 2006 20:13
Went for the pickle festival on Saturday. I have a deep love for this place.
MrScott - 29 Nov 2005 12:25
I think you will find that this is pre christmas day only. As they are closed on Chistmas day.

If anyone is interested please ring them to check availablility.
anonymous - 10 Nov 2005 15:49
Hi Just thought There serving Christmas Lunch & dinner at the Dog & Bell Four Courses for only �14.95 its going to be a good Christmas


deptford_joe - 9 Nov 2005 17:53
Great pub and friendly atmosphere London Pride is my favourite and it�s on tap all year round also ESB. There is also the guest beers which change every week or so. All food is cooked on the premises and is fantastic not surprising as the new governor is a chief; Most of the customers are real ale drinkers not like certain people have said and the curry night was superb will be visiting more often from now on. Did I mention the barmaid very nice;-)
anonymous - 4 Nov 2005 19:31
The curry night was disappointing. When I got there 8.30 all the meat was gone, it was prawns or nothing. There was no choice of pickle: only one available, take it of leave it. And the chapaties were hard and stiff, as though they had been cooked early and kept heated. And now the bar service is falling off. That said the patronage seems to be improving so Adam must have something right. But the pub that I've been using for 16 years is slipping away
allan_w - 4 Nov 2005 00:33
Under new management by Anmolia and Adam, but with the previous owners keeping a watchful eye in the wings. Last night was a brilliant "curry and a pint" night for �6.99 and the place was packed. Up and coming attractions include the Pickle festival on 26th November (bring your own home made pickle, bread or artwork to be judged) and after Christmas a Belgian beer tasting evening.

Don't come here for loud music and a massive sky sports screen

Do come here for decent food in the evening, 5 beers on draught and a big range of bottled Belgian beers served in a friendly atmosphere.
Camraboy - 2 Nov 2005 07:26
Things are changing. Charlie and Eileen have retired. The new guy Adam has his own ideas. He is a very good cook and the pub seems to leaning into gastro made. The guest ales are not so choice. Most of the differences are too subtle to pinpoint but the ambience is changing. Lager drinkers will be happier
allan_w - 29 Oct 2005 16:32
One of the things that makes this pub so excellent is the pub quiz on Sunday evenings.
It's a really good way to end the weekend.
It usually starts around nine & regulars at the pub seem to take turns in hosting it.
I hear also, that two very clever, witty raconteurs named Ben & Ian are taking on the mantle of Quiz Master this Sunday 23rd.
They are said to be rakish purveyors of masterclass trivia.
I know I'll be there as usual, with my pint of Old Vicar's Jock-Strap.
RufusT.Firefly - 20 Oct 2005 14:53
Situated in an area into that anyone with any sense would not normally venture, the Dog & Bell is hardly a place you would find by accident. It is however well worth making an effort to visit. Winner of many CAMRA Awards, they have 3 well kept guest ales amongst the usual selection of lagers, cider etc. The pub is quite spacious, clean and tidy with a large side room and small beer garden at the back. They also have one of the few remaining bar billiards tables (�1 a go). TV in the main bar but not really geared for sports (I actually watched an England game here and there were barely 20 people in the pub). Friendly and efficient staff. A bit of a gem in an area you would least suspect.
RogerB - 12 Sep 2005 15:42
Unless you live very locally or you've spotted it listed in a beer guide and decided to make a point of visiting you're not likely to find it, tucked away in a backstreet near Convoy's Wharf. Well worth going though if you like your ales, which are served in the condition you'd expect of a CAMRA award winning pub. Fuller's Pride & ESB always available plus three guests. Sedate atmosphere won't suit everyone but the place has a friendly feel, making strangers welcome.
Rich66 - 28 May 2005 22:19
Yup, this place is a jewel for good beer, and Charlie and Eileen do a great job with the place as a pub to talk...but it can get bluddy dull,dull,dull. Not sometimes a bad thing, but the same faces, all with CAMRA memberships...where are the women?
anonymous - 30 Dec 2004 12:39
Still a super gem, go there soon. I know the area's rough but once you're inside it's worth it!
molyneux - 26 Dec 2004 02:27
Camra London Regional Pub of the Year 2004
Roz Cox - 26 Oct 2004 23:48
SE London CAMRA pub of the year 2004
Clare - 30 Apr 2004 10:40
A truly friendly upretentious local that has perhaps the best pub bike-parking in London. Wheel your bike through the bar and into the rear garden.

Barry


anonymous - 2 Apr 2004 14:13
Went in on Saturday night, it was quiet, which was fine by me and the beer was delicious. A fine, fine place to have a chill and a natter with mates.

The girl behind the bar was dead friendly and helpful, too, despite appearing to be French.
MrScott - 15 Mar 2004 10:59
By far the best pub in the Deptford area, a straight-up honest boozer.
ronan - 24 Feb 2004 17:59
This place really is an oasis in the area. Superb range of guest beers and Fullers ales always in tip-top condition and served by the inimatable owners, Charlie and Eileen, (long may they reign).
Really friendly bolthole.
Dave - 18 Feb 2004 18:03
the staff are v friendly the OWNERS Charlie and Eileen are v friendly, the patrons are friendly. no cliques no fruit machines no juke box. lots of space time and peace. quiet during the week busy quiz night sunday. home-made quiz, anyone can do it for free beer all night.
allan_w - 14 Jan 2004 10:26
One of the best pubs in London. Im a student in the area and since all the good drinking places in New Cross have turned into wine bars with rubbish music we quite happily trek down depftord high st to get to it. Selection of beers is mind blowing and proper bar billiards its a great place to just relax with mates and get very pissed.
Jools - 3 Aug 2003 17:37

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