This Greenwich venue is an old-school, no-frills London pub – almost a rarity in itself these days.

The Venue
Tucked out of the way at the foot of Brand Street in residential Greenwich, the Morden Arms exemplifies the traditional British pub, from its old-school, weather-beaten exterior (comprising several picnic tables for outdoor drinking) to the semi-circular bar on the far wall of the venue’s main room. The latter has been decorated with hand-painted murals on a Greenwich theme, and the wooden tables making up the bulk of the seating space have been spruced up with fresh flowers - both endearing additions to the bar’s traditional lay-out. The red and white paint job nicely offsets the two stone fireplaces on the right-hand wall, and there is a small performance area in one corner, complete with sound system and an inviting leather sofa, dedicated to live music and storytelling. Posters, lamps and Christmas lights line the walls, bringing colour to an otherwise relatively standard drinking area.

The Atmosphere
Situated at the intersection of two residential streets, and well away from the typical Greenwich tourist traps, the Morden Arms has a distinctively local feel to it, with a great deal of community members popping their heads through the door during the day. That said, the staff and customers are friendly and welcoming no matter who walks in, and the bar’s regular live music and spoken word nights attract plenty of newcomers from the nearby area and beyond. The soundtrack in between acts is inoffensive enough, and overall the atmosphere is that of a staunchly traditional boozer, which in this day and age is a possible selling point in itself.

The Drink
For all its aesthetic charms, the bar at the Morden Arms doesn’t hold a great deal of surprises in terms of drinks. Amstel, Kronenbourg and Fosters are the usual suspects on tap, and the selection of bottled beers and ciders isn’t spectacular either, although prices are fairly reasonable (£3.40-£3.80 a pint), and the wine list is certainly extensive enough to satisfy most casual drinkers. Maybe not enough variety to hold one’s interest over time, but certainly adequate for a night out.

The Last Word
One of the last bastions of traditional pub-goers in Greenwich, the Morden Arms is a charming venue hidden away from some of the more overrun establishments on the High Street.

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