Dog House

With an amazing location right on the Kennington Cross, The Dog House is a popular watering hole with locals. But unwelcoming staff and disappointing food means that ultimately it pales in comparison to other establishments in the area.

The Venue
The main bar area is split in two and is very narrow. The pub can be cramped if full, but there are benches outside for smokers, people-watchers, or for when it’s a balmy evening. There’s no beer garden as such, but a large area of pavement out the front with benches for you to enjoy the summer sunshine (should there be any), with potted plants decorating the area. Although you’re right next to the traffic, if the weather’s good enough you’ll just be grateful to be outside. There is also a separate function area upstairs that is available for hire, and which is home to the occasional live music performance.

The Atmopshere
The pub is popular with locals, so expect young and old to be found here for an after work drink. As with any Kennington pub, the immediate impression is one of a welcoming, relaxed place to unwind. Unfortunately this impression soon melts away. The clientele are nice enough, but the staff aren’t exactly friendly - and they can even be just plain rude at times. Asking to set up a tab or where cutlery is to be found is met with disdain, and dealing with any of the staff at all tends to be a frustrating experience.

The Food
The quality of the food is not such that it makes up for the lacklustre service. The Dog House seems to be a popular destination for Sunday lunch, but the servings are very average, with watery gravy and limp, lukewarm veg accompanying your roast (from around £10). Healthier dishes such as chicken Caesar salad (£9) are quite small, even for the salad option. All in all you may find yourself not wanting to stay for dessert, but if you do decide to stick it out, try the fruit crumble with custard (£5).

The Drink
The Dog House serves a selection of real cask ales, and has beer, lager and cider on tap. There is also a fairly substantial wine selection (starting from £14 a bottle). Of course, Pimm’s is served during summer – by the jug or glass. There is also an impressive collection of spirits on display behind the bar.

The Last Word
If all you’re after is a no-frills Sunday roast, look no further than The Dog House. But if customer service is what you’re looking for, or quality food for your money, there are plenty of other places in Kennington that are a better option. The Dog House is a disappointment in light of all the other top-notch, similarly priced pubs in this dog eat dog area, and needs to up its game if it wants to compete.

venue information venue map view london review user reviews (7)