A hidden London treasure tucked down a Deptford side street close to the river and opposite the controversial Convoys Wharf redevelopment site, this modest but excellent community pub is well worth seeking out.

The Venue
You’ll need to navigate the residential side streets in Deptford’s northeast corner to find this street corner pub. Originally opened in 1823 to serve workers at the adjacent shipyard, it was rebuilt in the late 1860s and known as The Royal Marine for a time to cash in on a marine barracks which had opened nearby. Though the sign interprets the pub name literally, the origin of the name is partly explained by the fact that Prince Street was once Dock Street, known locally as Dog Street. Formerly in the hands of Islington’s Wenlock Brewery, it passed to Truman’s, Bass and – briefly - Fuller’s before becoming a free house. Current landlords Charlie and Eileen Gallagher bought the Dog and Bell in 1988 and have worked hard to secure its current reputation, expanding what was originally a very small space with new side and rear seating areas and a small but gorgeous beer garden bursting with flowers and greenery in season. It’s won several local CAMRA awards and various other commendations.

The Atmosphere
A community pub attracting a mixed crowd of in-the-know regulars from a wide area and dedicated ale fans, the Dog and Bell also serves a section of the local artists’ community and the odd celebrity, but is welcoming to all. There’s no muzak, games machines or TV, though there are art exhibitions, board games, books, a venerable bar billiards table and an open fire. The longstanding and often challenging Sunday night quiz has a keen following, and there’s an annual pickles festival in late November, as well as occasional beer festivals.

The Food
Unpretentious home cooked and keenly priced pub food is available lunchtimes and early evenings (not Sunday), including well-filled baguettes, pan-fried cod, gammon, burgers, shepherd’s pie and veggie specials such as a popular chickpea curry. Sunday roast also offers a vegetarian option.

The Drink
Fuller’s London Pride and ESB, still a rare sight in this part of London, remain from the pub’s brief dalliance with the Chiswick brewer. A further four handpumps dispense a well chosen range of top quality cask ales from small brewers served to Cask Marque standards – Acorn, Dark Star, Kelham Island, Nethergate, Teignworthy and Westerham beers often pop up, and there’s usually a mild or other dark beer on, plus keg light and dark Budvar and notably well-kept Guinness. Then there are 40-50 bottled beers, mainly Belgian: serious craft offerings from the likes of Achel, De Ranke, Dolle, Dupont, Ellezelloise, Orval and St Bernardus and genuine lambics from Cantillon and Hanssens, with a couple of German and British entrants. The pub also boasts a minor but significant sideline in single malt whiskies – around 20 at the last count including the occasional rarity.

The Last Word
The Dog and Bell is pretty close to being the perfect community pub: it has a relaxed but civilised atmosphere, a distinctive personality, a warm welcome, modest but home cooked and good value food, and excellent beer. Local residents should consider themselves privileged.

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