please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Always feel that the Vale does not get enough credit for such a good place to watch sport, nice and big, you do not feel crushed.
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This bar has the potential to wipe the floor with the Lordship lane bars. Firstly this place has the highest turnover of staff I've ever seen. Part of what makes a local is going in and seeing your drink being poured before you even ask for it. Staff who know your name, that kind of thing. Not all the staff can be that bad. I've know some really goo ones. Also theres a different chef every week. I agree with some of the earlier postings that I feel a little 'under the spotlight' when I go in sometimes. Beer garden in the good weather is fantastic tho. By the way to anonymous, from reading your 2 most recent postings, either you work in the bar or you are a relation/friend of the owners. The last posting is just funny!
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I don�t know what this place was like in its previous incarnation as the Hamlet Inn but it is now a hideous example of what happens when interior designers get a free run on redeveloping your local. Any original features and characteristics have been removed leaving a rather cavernous hollow interior with bland and plain d�cor. One side of the bar is reserved for the Chesterton sofa brigade and the other half for the gastropub fans with its open kitchen and dining tables. Drink selection is rather standard and there are no Real Ales. I would certainly agree that the staff are very good � I was unknowingly overcharged but the barmaid made an effort to find me after I had sat down to return my extra change. There are a couple of screens for sport and some outside seating under a canopy but I am really clutching at straws to find any positives. The pub is convenient for Dulwich Hamlet football ground but to be perfectly honest, the clubs bar is far better if this is the reason for being in the area.
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What a fantastic bar. It really is a breath of fresh air compared to the tired, cliched, wannabe WestEnd bars which you see on Lordship Lane. The likes of The Bishop and the EDT are just soooooo old hat! My friends and I just happened to come across The Vale one saturday night after feeling nauseated by the lack of creativity and atmosphere being offered by the above dull bars. My friend Annie said, "Hey lets try this bar. We might as well?!". I said yes, anticipating a bore of a bar. Wow, was I surprised! The inside is very spacious and very inviting. The place was absolutely packed and the atmosphere was both lively and welcoming. We were served very quickly and the drink was a fair price too. What was really refreshing was the fact that teh bar staff and dorr men were extremely personable and wanting to make sure we were having a super evening. I really love this place and will be coming abck again xxx
anonymous - 16 Aug 2006 17:15 |
As of this month (March), the bar is hosting a live jazz night every Thursday. It's pretty much the only live music on offer in Dulwich, and when I was in there last week the band were *fantastic*. The guinness is cheaper than the EDT too!
anonymous - 27 Mar 2006 22:05 |
The Vale Bar has had a refurbish since i last went in there.....hugely advisable. I had a really great night dancing to good tunes the other weekend. Plus the bar staff were very smiley and friendly (remembering what we were dinking....a nice touch!) I will be back.
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ALthough this place has been done up like so many other wannabe trendies it is lacking in the key areas. Food = Bad. Atmosphere = worse you feel as though you are being watched from the minute you walk in the door. "hide the fine china, they're back again"
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case of the emperor's new clothes here... the naked truth is that it's got little to offer as a local pub. food sh1te, had a badly underdressed salad after work on thursday.
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I must say, the place has improved on a friday night. Was impressed with the DJs especially when they played tracks like MANDy - Body Language. A definite improvement in terms of the music but cant say the same about the food though.
Either way I had a great time and dance all night.
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oddly shaped and too big - you feel naked in there. steep prices as well, you can bankrupt yourself in there
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This is certainly the pub with the rudest bar manager in the country.
I have been going here since its opening and have watched the biggest decline in service quality throughout this bars short pitiful existence i have ever seen.
I'll try not to bore you with every little detail that happened to me and my girlfriend a few nights ago, but we were basically treated like s**t by the bar manager (white male, 5'10", short dark hair). After having a reasonably fun evening there last saturday, we decided to head off to the dance floor for 10 mins or so, on return to the table where my party and I have been sitting at all evening, I noticed that 3 of our drinks had vanished (which were half full), and the people who were sitting at my table while we were dancing did not notice someone simply come up to the table and take our drinks without asking if they were finished or not.
We decided to immediately find out who took our drinks and went to the bar and was pointed to speak to the bar manager. After explaining the situation he reluctantly started to get us new drinks, then to our amazement started to get rude with us because he didnt like the idea of having to give away free drinks, and then took the attitude to make us say 'please' like we were in the wrong! To which my girlfriend replied "it's you who should be saying sorry to us!" and I also added: "have you ever heard of the rule 'the customer is always right'?". He simply could not accept that he was in the wrong, he clearly had problems with taking responsibilty for his other staff members actions. Immediately he said "out!" and almost threw our drinks away, to which we were disgusted and immediately left before he even had the chance to run to the nearest bouncer.
Never going back to this place again.
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The Vale's a bit chavvy! Garden's nice though!
I ate in there once and liked it!
I also saw Pompey Thrash Southampton in there with my mate Big Tony! There were some scummers in there but they left crying at half time! I liked it a lot that day!
Mostly now though I walk past it and go somewhere else!
Why? Cos it's a bit crap! Why else?
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I can assure you that a pregnant woman was refused tap water. I can also assure you that they charge you to use your card (unheard of in any other bar). I was with the pregnant woman and witnessed it and I have no axe to grind or no interest in the pub which I will never enter again. The food is on/off depending on whether they have sacked the chef and it seems that whatever criticism is aimed at this awful place must have a hidden agenda. I assure you I have no agenda and have never worked or been involved with this place. I am fed up because it is the closest pub to me and I am unable to use it. It appears that whenever anyone criticises this place (have you been in there in the winter? Its freezing) it must be a disgruntled member of staff who has been sacked which happens all the time. They treat their staff in the most awful way.
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I really cannot understand the bad press this bar has been getting. I'm also really suspicious of a certain young lady who continually posts random, unfounded, offensive comments about the Vale.
I think that the competitors, aggrieved ex-staff and sad, jealous members of the public should get out more. I've been in the bar since the beginning and KNOW that a pregnant woman would not be refused water. If you opened your eyes you'd see how family oreintated the staff and owners are.
The Vale is a grear bar, boasting the best decor, drink and food you could find in Dulwich. My friends and I love going to this Bar on a Friday and Saturday night. Long live the Vale.
anonymous - 4 Sep 2005 11:30 |
Not a bad place to be on a sunday afternoon. Food was good as was the service and atmosphere. Mind you, I haven't been here on a saturday night in over a year so who knows what transformation this place undergoes. I've always liked this pub despite its jekyl and hyde reputation.
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I have to agree with the last comment. It appears that if any negative comment is made then it must be competators or disgruntled employees (of which I am sure there are many considering the turn over of staff). I am neither and have boycotted this pub for its bad customer relations (they charge for credit card payments). The food is hit and miss - take a walk and you will find nicer pubs and friendlier staff close by.
smutt - 12 Aug 2005 14:20 |
The volume is always off on the telly....your right. Also surely it is illegal to refuse a pregnant woman a glass of tap water? Swines i tell you!
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The comment below regarding an ex member of staff writing the negative comments is false! I can safely say that i have never worked in the Vale. As an ex barmaid and fan of pub life, i couldnt help but noticing that the turn over of staff was high, and that you would be lucky to see the same face behind the bar for more than a week. I enquired after this, and was informed that this is becasue the managers have a penchant for sacking their staff. Only hiring pretty people, who cant do the jop properly and then sacking them. Its a shame 'sour grapes' are assumed to be the reason for making a negative comment about a place that is clearly badly managed!
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This pub is awful. The only thing its got going for it is the beer garden in the summer. Don't go in the winter - its freezing. I think at one time we were starved of good pubs which is why we tolerated this place. Walk down the road to the Gowlett or the Rye Hotel in Peckham - friendly staff, lovely surroundings and the beer garden in The Rye is wonderful. You can use your card in either of these pubs unlike the Vale who charge you for spending money there.
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Apparently an employee who had to be let go had written all the negative commnets below. The one about the volume being doen on the big screens is rubbish. I have been here loads of times and recommend the pub.
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Started off as a big fan of this pub and became a regular with the group of friiends I drink with from the area. In the past few months We have all become bored with the declining service and quality of food. Final straw was the strange rules on the volume being off on the telly. Decided to drink elsewhere until they get their act together. Shame really as this place had potential.
anonymous - 6 Jul 2005 10:28 |
stepped through the looking glass and went to the vale on a friday night - totally different place.. some fit birds, good tunes, it was genuinely half-decent. got thrown out.
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Ideal for the man whole likes a place to booze before and after each train journey. More or less opposite the station, good bar staff,..Football on TV and Fruity,..never saw any trouble,..mind you,..never saw any fit birds either,......food as well apparently if thats what floats your boat
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Been to The Vale a few times in it various guises. The plus points are that it is spacious, has a nice selection of food, a big screen for the footie and at the weekend has a DJ playing some good tunes to nod your head to.
However the negatives for me, far out weigh the positives. On a couple of occasions there has been an under current of overt racism, which is strange considering the location of the boozer! I have over heard a few nasty conversations (black this, black that) in there by people who weren't exactly going out of there way to be quiet! Furthermore, I am not even sure that if you did tell the landlord about the muppets in his boozer he'd give a toss anyway!
As such, in this day and age any pub with that kind of clientele is a load of old bollocks in my book. If people like drinking with racist muppets then fair play to 'em.
anonymous - 21 Dec 2004 16:05 |
I really like this bar. Its quite hard to find somewhere in London where the staff are polite and you actually get treated like an individual rather than a walking twenty pound note. This is a lovely bar, with well priced drink and an extensive selection of fine foods...
Danielle - 9 Nov 2004 11:41 |
Just got back home after being to this great bar. I've had an excellent night. Good drink, good food, great dance floor and lots of pretty ladies! I'll definately be going again...
Craig - 6 Nov 2004 01:30 |
Love this boozer to death. 10/10.
Mathew - 3 Nov 2004 19:34 |
A bar to be really proud of. Well done to the owner and his staff. A true success story in East Dulwich...
Risky - 3 Nov 2004 19:33 |
What a fantastic bar. I like the fact that the owners rotate their staff, so as to keep the place fresh and the vibe pumping. I had an excellent Friday lunchtime here not too long ago. My mates and me had a great lunch (a fantastic chicken dish), a lovely house white and very good conversation with the staff. I really can't fault this bar. Its up there with the best I've been to in my 25 years!
Gary aka Dr Kool - 2 Nov 2004 17:37 |
are you people talking about the same vale? this place is so weird. anywhere the staff turn over is this high says there`s a problem. original guys who re-opened were cool. what happened to them? mood lighting or whatever is horrible. food`s not bad. but a bit hit and miss. better in the summer. outside patio garden.
swifty - 2 Nov 2004 15:28 |
A good bar with lots of character. Worth a visit
Jon Walker - 22 Oct 2004 15:55 |
FINALLY, SOMEONE HAS BROUGHT THE CLASS BACK TO EAST DULWICH. I had a great time here last week. Lovely food, well-priced drink, a state of the art dance floor and futuristic lighting. And to top it all off, I'm sure that I saw that famous Irish Guy from the Yellow Pages...If celebrities feel free to frequent somewhere, you JUST KNOW its good!
Tad - 8 Oct 2004 21:17 |
I went in last night to meet some work colleagues from Deloitte & Touche in the City and was shocked at how great this bar is. I was expecting to stay just for a quick glass of wine butended up staying till closing time.
This is a thoroughly accomodating bar, with clean, crisp pints and an extensive selection of fine foods. Met someone called Tony (possibly the owner?) who was very polite to us and made sure that we were not bothered whilst dancing on the dance floor. At the end of the evening he arranged a cab for my friends and I and was a real gentleman.
Natasha Mya - 7 Oct 2004 13:10 |
Hi its Chris, I really would apprecite it if you put up my message of gratitude to the Vale Bar and especially the Owner for me having met my wife, Catlan at the Vale Bar 4 months ago, thankyou. Moreover, the food is tasty, the drink is at a surprisingly fair price and the decor is similar to the hippest and most modern bars in the West End
Chris and Catlan from E.Dulwich - 5 Oct 2004 13:43 |
A fantastic bar with great facilities, great bar staff and a very hands on owner (but in a good way!). I like this bar very much and am proud that someone is starting to make East Dulwich something to be proud of once again.
Asne Seirestadtz - 5 Oct 2004 12:59 |
Good bar, good company and a guiness to die for. 5 starts
Risky - 28 Sep 2004 19:59 |
I used to go to the EDT for years before last week. But now, after visiting the Vale Bar, I feel that I must have been a sado-masochist to have gone to the EDT for so long. The Vale has good food, pretty bar staff, a learned handsome silver fox of an owner and great plasma screens. I feel that I was in hell for years but now St Peter has let me into heaven. Oh...and the beer garden is out of this world
Jack "Del" Hawthorn - 27 Sep 2004 17:07 |
I've been a regular at the Vale Bar and the Hamlet before it for the last couple of years. I loved the Hamlet, but if possible I love the Vale even more. The drink in response to some silly comments elsewhere is at a good, fair price and the ales are still top notch.
As well as he gaff itself, the bar staff are polite and very attractive. There's been more than once when my missus has told me to fold my tongue up! This is a fine establishment, who prides itself on being very inclusive and respectful of different races and backgrounds. I should know - I'm half Kosovan and my wife is half Irish, half Jamaican. Long live the Vale. We salute you!
Terry and Moesha - 27 Sep 2004 16:58 |
I'm sorry but the Vale Bar is so good that I have to leave another message. The Vale Bar should change its name to the "Viper", because other pubs such as the EDT should be scared of the Vale Bar. Why? Because once more and more people know how great it is, no one will fancy going down to the down-market "trashy" competition. I do say competition with a wry, sarcastic smile on my Yank Face!!
The Happy NewYorker - 26 Sep 2004 23:26 |
I think alot of people have a problem with the owner as he is a true gentleman from the era of true gentlemen.
Those who can't appreciate such a great bar, great food and an even greater Owner should register themselves with their GP to go to the Nut House!
Bertie (from East Dulwich) - 26 Sep 2004 23:14 |
I'm an NewYorker who is in London on holiday. I went to this bar today on the advice of my friends Anna and Jane. I wasn't expecting much, but was met with alot. The pub actually has a quite chilled out, jazzy, New York feel about it. I was really impressed & surprised. Food was fantastic and the decoration outstanding. I thought you Brits didn't hav a clue. Gee was I wrong!
Yemi - 26 Sep 2004 23:04 |
This is an excellent bar. Not often do you find a bar that has a family feel about it. This is a superb establishment with a great selectionof food and drink as well as a 5* dance floor and other decor. Personally, I think it is a great bar; not the best bar I've been to, but up there without a doubt.
Nico Suave - 15 Sep 2004 16:36 |
Pub not very good. Owner and son think they are something special. Barred all the regulars. Trying to turn pub into something its not. Dearest pub around the area.
anon - 10 Sep 2004 00:18 |
THE VALE'S CHANGING MATE THE SOUNDS ARE WICKED NOW, GOT TO CHECK IT OUT....
Dr Beat - 6 Sep 2004 01:50 |
ter a thoroughly enjoyable evening.This is by far the best bar in the area. I can honestly say that it really does feel like a classy West End Bar. The food is top quality as is the bar staff and security. The manager especially (or maybe he's the owner, a distinguished grey haired gentleman) has always been kind to my friends and I. Never have we had to wait long for a taxi afI can't believe people are moaning about not being allowed tap water. The Bar is not a charity! When you go to a pub you BUY drinks, you can't simply expect to longe around in a bar of this quality sipping tap water and using seats which paying customers wish to use. Those people who complain about the lack of tap water should get a life, or even better GET A JOB! To the budding lawyer, maybe he should dance in the street, that's FREE!!!!
Winston - 26 Aug 2004 21:41 |
Yes, I got the 'no tap water' rubbish last time I went in. Sadly its the nearest bar to where I work, but I think I'll make the effort to go somewhere decent in future. No atmosphere and pretty unfriendly bar staff, plus having music going at the same time as bloody eastenders on a big screen is a definite turn-off!
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Don't serve tap-water.Isn't that illegal in a place with dancing
jamie - 6 Jun 2004 23:45 |
Love the Ladies Loos and the Kronenberg Blanc.
Cassius - 5 Jun 2004 16:54 |
Becks on draught is always a winner, and a late liscence is about the only things going for the place
anonymous - 13 May 2004 16:26 |
Have also heard the racism rumour, but have witnessed nothing myself. Not a great pub really, although the beer garden is a big plus in the summer. Food was good when it first reopened but have been pretty average on my last couple of visits. Unless you want to sit in the beer garden, I'd suggest heading further down the road to the EDT.
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I would not recommend this pub to any friend and why should I? Saturday night we went to have a nice time in the pub and we bought drinks from the bar. A rude (male) wating staff asked us if we wanted to drink. I said that we had been drinking and would buy our drinks from the bar in 5 minutes. He said the table was for only drinking customers. I said to him that we had paid for our drinks and if means to get out we would go to another pub. I am not going to lose anything if dont go to this bar anymore in my life. New decor does not mean that you give best service for your customers who pay.
A local - 13 Mar 2004 23:41 |
To the comments regarding racism in the pub. I have drunk there since before the refurb and can say, hand on heart, that I have never witnessed any incidents of a racial nature. The owner and bar staff have always been friendly and helpful and I now have a local pub that I would bring (and have brought) any of my friends to. Obviously I'm not there all the time but in my experiance anyone coming into the pub causing any form of trouble would be thrown out. Check it out especially on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. Also food is excellent. There is nothing to touch the pub in East Dulwich or the surrounding area.
A local
Stuart - 11 Feb 2004 16:47 |
I went in to this dig tonight and found it to be the most happening place in town. The DJ was a kool kat who played the best tunes of the eighties and nineties. I busted so many heavy moves you wouldn't believe. Owner was a real gent and door staff were tops as well. Night was phat, the best I've had in a long time.
A satisfied punter. - 1 Feb 2004 03:28 |
I find a lot of the people in there very friendly: There are some that are out to spoil the evening, however, soon told to leave due to the security.
Good Nite Out Fri & Sat's A1 for East Dulwich, Try the Guinness!
Hughie
risky - 15 Jan 2004 01:45 |
To the young black male from the 3rd Jan. Please take some good advice and watch your back. I also know someone who thought the Vale was a great new pub until they were subjected to a sensless and unprovoked attack. There are a growing number of people in the area who are aware of the underlying racial tension in this pub and will not go near it. A trendy new decor will not cover this up for long.
Please take care.
a local - 8 Jan 2004 23:42 |
The referb has left this place with a distincly 'Beckenham' feel to it. Ikea showroom with aggro. Can feel characterless, but plenty of strong continentals to choose from, good for the football. How about some ales?
Dan - 8 Jan 2004 17:26 |
To say this was aperfect bar would be wrong. It is simply a Great Bar. Drink is superb and the food is orgasmic. To coin a popular phrase, "Back of the Net!".
Annie - 3 Jan 2004 13:20 |
I have to say that as a young black male I am astounded by the previous comments. I have only ever found the Vale to be friendly to my friends and I.
I would have to say that the Vale Bar has been an unquestionable success. The staff, drink and atmosphere are to the very best standard and easily could be found in the very heart of the West End. What is so special about this bar is that it manages to combine a smart, modern, young appeal with a refreshingly traditional family atmosphere. I have and would recommend this pub to anyone who enjoys the above attributes. 10 out of 10!
Anonymous - 3 Jan 2004 12:55 |
If you want to see a grumpy elton john lookalike, visit the vale bar, the owner walks around the bar patronising the customers, and as I am black I do not appreciate him looking and waiting for me to do somthing wrong so he can set his boys on me, him and his sidekick son are doing the bar no good, the whole vibe has changed for the worst since the management team left. and i think it is scandalous to push drink prices up by 10p at 11pm on friday and saturday without telling us, clapham and the west end still kick ...
anon - 5 Dec 2003 15:21 |
this was agood bar when it opened in august, the staff was great, the management team were doing a fantastic job, but they all seem to have gone, taking that good feeling with them. I also believe the owner is a racist and hipocrit as far as black people are concerned, a couple of months ago, I would of highly recommended this bar, but now.....
jason - 3 Dec 2003 00:22 |
i found this bar far to up its own arse. over priced and very flat beer. the dj was crap too.back to lordship lane for a good pint at cheap prices.
A.PUNTER - 24 Nov 2003 18:03 |
A friend of mine was beaten up by a gang of white youths in this pub. It has always had a reputation as being racist and this goes to show that underneath the face lift it's the same. shame..
T . Cowlam - 24 Nov 2003 17:27 |
this place is the dogs whatsits, it is by far and away the best boozer in the area. Excellent beer, good food and friendly staff especially the manager.
anonymous - 31 Oct 2003 09:58 |
The pub is looking very good at the minute and will hopefully give the E.D.T a kick up the ass, good beer good service. Pitty about the pikkie DJ. I think his name was Ben.
Simon - 27 Oct 2003 14:49 |
i dont understand why people are complaning the westend has come to dulwich at long last
dulwich resident - 27 Oct 2003 11:20 |
I find the change is unbelievable
since the pub was refurbished. Now I can go and have a good time, the surroundings make me feel no expense has been spared for my comfort.I am a regular in the pub and have been for 20 yrs. I may well be a pensioner with a good word, I can only say that the 24 year old that had had a 'soft spot' for the pub would do well sitting in Romney Marsh. I drink Guinness and have done for 15yrs and I can say I have had 2 dodgy pints in all that time which I can say were replaced immediately.
sweetie? - 17 Oct 2003 22:34 |
I would have never ventured into the old crusty hamlet but when a friend suggested it and explained that it had been done up I agreed to go. It is now the vale bar and with friendly staff good managment and best of all cocktails i had a great time. I went again a few weeks later with some of my friends and the atmosphere was different but we thought that we would have a good night. We ignored the few old men proping up the bar leering at everyone. Also the owner at the front door collecting �3 to get in after 10 was a bit cringeworthy and I wasn't allowed a glass of water! illegal i think!? anyway an ok place to go but these few points would make me choose a different pub over the vale.
anonymous - 8 Oct 2003 12:34 |
A new bar in East Dulwich, with a 'West end style bar ' feeling. Great staff, good cocktails and a small but decent menu. Late licence on Thursday, Friday and saturday,with a good line up of dj's. The atmosphere is quite electric
anon - 25 Sep 2003 21:37 |
After an extensive refurbishment, the Hamlet Inn has now become the 'Vale Bar'. what a fresh place to go to. The atmosphere is great, especially on a Friday and Saturday night, when some fine DJ's get on the decks. The staff are really pleasant and the service spot on, it is not often that you receive table service in a bar in Dulwich, but here the staff do there best to keep every one happy, The new management seem to know what they are doing, which is a great change from the Hamlet inn.I wish the crew all the best for the future, and will recommend this bar to all my friends, good bye EDT, hello Vale Bar
robert - 25 Sep 2003 21:32 |
Now called "The Vale", had a great night there recently. Friendly staff, good choice of beer (try the Crown in bottles) and pretty good music. Still opends until 2am at weekends. Recommended if you don't want a quiet night out!
anonymous - 15 Sep 2003 12:54 |
Used to be good until the landlord barred everyone. the guy above is right in that landlord doesn't really know how to treat people - weekends open till 2 but not as busy as it used to be and the bouncers are complete waste of time
anon - 17 Dec 2002 14:54 |
I used to be a regular visitor to this pub (fortnightly-ish), and have always been impressed by the atmosphere, decor (esp the 'snug' at the far end of the right-hand bar), cheese-choice on the juke-box and cheap pool. HOWEVER the landlord doesn't have a clue how to keep his beer or treat his customers - a mate of mine bought the worst pint of Guiness I have ever had the misfortune to try recently, and the landlord wouldn't even taste it, let alone offer a replacement. He refused to accept that anything could be wrong, left the pint on the bar and walked off to serve someone else. And we then found out that my pint of Courage was dead to the world as well. Call me a country bumpkin, but most decent landlords I have come across would replace a bad pint without question, and most would not even taste it first - those that do will do so to try and work out what has gone wrong with the beer, not to question the judegement of their punters. I know from copious experience that the lagers are fine here, but I would recommend readers to think twice about going to a pub which is run with such incompetence, lack of care, and bloody-minded rudeness. And if you think I sound like a pensioner having a rant, I'm actually just a very p*ssed off 24 year-old. I'd have to recommend all the other pubs down Lordship Lane over this one now, which is a shame as I used to have a real soft spot for it. Go to the Magdala if you want good beer and service.
anonymous - 1 Oct 2002 13:49 |
late licence til 2 at the weekends always helps!
CP - 17 Jul 2002 13:41 |
