Another pub, another exterior, another stolen image. This one's from beerintheevening. Thanks.
Sometimes, a line needs to be drawn under reactionary grumbling, as fun as it may be. Bermondsey St has been spruced up and made ready for the creative hordes, doubtless wrecking its authentic, y’know, shitness. Perhaps that’s a step too far for many, but hey, Peter Ackroyd says that Londoners the people should recognise themselves in London the city, which is amenable to and accepting of change in all its forms. The city is a pulsating urban organism whose wiles and whims must be acceded to for fear of stifling new growth: we must sit back and observe the transformation and be glad. And Peter Ackroyd is, y’know, the man.
So, yes. To wit: this pub is loads better than it once was. They have deconstructed the traditional pub (does this mean ‘ripped out’? I’m not too sure), then put it back together with a few chunky reminders that we’re in a smart modern know-all drinking joint – some concrete garlands on the wall, slick wooden flooring, shiny new taps sluicing out fashionable lagers.
But you know what, they serve a marvellous pint of TT Landlord. And the barman was kind. And they get the papers in. Love a pub that gets the papers in.