A short walk from Peckham Rye station, The Gowlett is a traditional boozer that just happens to serve some of the best pizzas around – not a typical match, but it works.

The Venue
The Gowlett has a sleek sign that somewhat clashes with the traditional exterior of this large and imposing pub on the corner of Gowlett Road. Inside, you’ll find dark wood throughout, with chesterfield sofas in the middle of the room and comfortable bench seating with tables to the edges of the room. Some of the seating is a bit shabby, with rips in the leather, but that doesn’t take away from the comfortable, relaxed surroundings. There’s a pool table to one side and the bar takes up the centre of the room. You’ll find a small outside area with chunky wooden tables and benches, with some overhead cover, so you don’t need to worry about the weather.

The Atmosphere
As you’d expect, regulars and locals are sure to be propping up the bar but, with the range of pizzas on offer, the tables around the room are likely to be lined with those who have heard the reputation and come from near and far to get some food. Week nights have a steady flow of customers, while weekends can often be packed out and fully booked for food. The staff are friendly and helpful, and happy to give their recommendations should you be struggling to choose what to order.

The Food
This is a pub serving pizzas, so don’t expect any traditional pub grub. There are a couple of starters to choose from that follow the Italian theme. Tuscan anchovy bread is £3.50 and there is, of course, garlic bread, also at £3.50 – or you can order them both for just £6. Pizzas are reasonably priced from £8 and range from classic favourites like the margherita and the Hawaiian to the more original ‘Gowlettini’, loaded with mozzarella, prosciutto, goat’s cheese, pine nuts and rocket – a really delicious pizza that removes any need for a side salad. But if you do fancy a side, salads such as bresaola with rocket and parmesan (£4.50) or just a simple green and mixed herb (£2.50) will hit the spot. Also look out for the chef’s special, often loaded with more unique ingredients. All the pizzas have a perfect thin, crispy base and are large enough for one person to be full or for a few people to share as a snack. The one and only pudding is warm walnutty chocolate brownies with organic ice cream (£4) – a chocolate-lover’s heaven.

The Drink
There’s a great variety of beers, which regularly rotate. There’s one house (Fuller’s London Pride) and three guests, which change each time a nine-gallon firkin runs out. Look out for guests such as Spitfire, Wanderlust, Old Hooky and Bishops Finger, to name just a few. There’s also a big focus on organic wines, with the house white and red both being organic and Fairtrade. A large glass of the house is £4.10, but the whole bottle is only £11.70 – quite a bargain in these parts. The most expensive wine, an organic, Fairtrade and vegan wine in the case of the reds (ironically named ‘Running Duck’), is only £18.20, so you won’t have to worry about rocketing bills even if you choose the pricier wine.

The Last Word
Thankfully, The Gowlett doesn’t try to be anything it’s not, making it an ideal place for a few relaxing beers or a bottle of wine with friends. The fact that it offers fresh and tasty pizzas is the icing on the cake – this friendly pub is well worth a visit.

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