With traditional style despite a recent refurbishment, the Park Tavern is the kind of pub the quiet British soul yearns for.

The Venue
A few streets along from Eltham train station, you'll meet the loud, crowded, rowdy Eltham High Street. By foot, you can turn into Passey Place - a little plaza set back from the main avenue where you won't get clobbered by the busy traffic. The Park Tavern is located at the end of this street with a green facade that looks like it hasn't changed in fifty years. Traditional pub livery and the original historic Truman tiles declare its presence in huge white and beige lettering. The courtyard is rimmed with a low brick wall decorated with black chalkboard signs, hanging flower baskets and two large green shade parasols.

Inside is the warm styling of a gentle countryside living room. Classical or light jazz can be heard over the sound system. Maroon, oriental-style carpeting creates cosy softness in the L-shaped seating area. Cream wallpaper imprinted with roses provides a subtle backdrop to the various plates of fine china decorating the walls. A chandelier tinkles over the stained glass doors in the front parlour and a fire crackles in the black iron hearth on cooler evenings. The shiny two pence pieces inset in the liquor cabinets flicker in a coppery mosaic and a huge Venetian mirror leans down from the tilted ceiling.

Outside, the narrow pass between the bar and the neighbouring building is a favourite spot for locals. High brick walls provide shade from a brutally sunny afternoon, while strolling to the rear you'll find a tidy garden. Potted trees, trained vines and an enormous retractable shade ensure hours of undisturbed relaxation when the weather is good.

The Atmosphere
While the Park Tavern may not be centuries old, it has the feel of a quiet country pub. The friendly bar staff are chatty, even if they've never seen you before. A true locals’ pub, the proprietor is meticulous about screening out trouble – rowdy punters are forced to stroll down the road where horseplay, pushiness and overtly eyeing-up birds is more welcome. The unpretentious, down-to earth service encourages a convivial community-oriented atmosphere. Consequently, during the day patrons can be well over forty. However, after work it can get packed with both young wine drinkers and pensioner ale sippers alike.

The Food
The Park Tavern offers small, home cooked meals like fishcakes made with smoky haddock, creamy leek and broccoli quiche, or tender steaks. These dishes are solid, comforting staples, prepared without frills and priced under £6 (most are under a fiver). The food might have come out of your own mum's kitchen and are similarly served on unpretentious, mismatched china. And just like your mum, if you are late, don't expect to be fed - meals here are only served before 3pm Tuesday through Saturday. That way they keep the focus on the quality ales, rich beers and friendly conversation.

The Drink
If you enjoy drinking from the cask, one pint just isn’t enough. This pub is a freehouse and a real ale lover's haven boasting five taps, three of which change at least once a month. Options include ales like Harvey's Sussex, St Austell Tribute, the hoppy Taylors Landlord, Flowers ale, Badger beer and the ubiquitous favourite London Pride. Go out on a limb and order one of the guests like Moorhouse's dark ruby Black Cat with hints of dry chocolate, winter smoke and raisins or Cottage's straw-coloured Champflower Ale - a malty, full-flavoured ale laced with honey and sweet herbs. Other bar stand outs included a Bernard Dark Czech lager in the bottle, Leffe, Guinness and Kronenbourg on draught and a surprisingly wide range of over 18 wine selections.

The Last Word
With a limitless supply of high quality ales, friendliness and good old-fashioned customer service, the Park Tavern is a jewel in the heart of Eltham exuding warmth and social community with a healthy dose of traditional, unpretentious charm.

venue information venue map view london review write a review