2 Anerley Hill,
Crystal Palace,
London,
SE19 2AA
(020) 8778 4109
The ViewLondon Review
After traversing the steep incline up the hill from Crystal Palace station, what you need is a relaxing place to rest your legs and have a well-deserved drink – The Grape and Grain is just that.
The Venue
The Grape and Grain is set just back from the road with a non-fussy exterior and inviting, warmly lit windows. The interior is large, with the bar directly ahead as you walk in, restaurant-style seating to the left and large, slouchy leather sofas to the right. A fireplace suggests this pub would be a cosy place to spend winter evenings, and beer mats lining the walls offer a quirky touch.
The Atmosphere
This feels like a traditional boozer, with plenty of locals filling the room and the focus being on good beer and proper pub grub. Regular events include a quiz night, live music, open mic nights and even a book club. Staff are cheerful and friendly, and the whole place has a laidback, chilled out atmosphere that makes you want to stay for more than just the one.
The Food
A simple menu offers warming food that’s sure to hit the spot. Bar snacks include the big pork pie (£4.50), a wedge of stilton (£4.50) with biscuits and chutney, and salt and pepper wedges with a blue cheese dip (£3.50). More substantial options include hunger-preventing baguettes are just £3.95 each and you can choose from hearty fillings such as sausage and onion, brie and cranberry and fish fingers with lime mayo. Burgers and pies are also available, with a 6oz burger (beef or lamb) at just £7.50 and shortcrust pies at just £8.50, all served with bubble and squeak and onion gravy, and deep-filled with options including steak, ale and mushroom, and venison and redcurrant.
Desserts are a very reasonable £3.50 and include home comforts like apple and blackberry pie, and the even more enticing strawberry and champagne cheesecake.
The Drink
There’s a focus on real ale at The Grape and Grain, with a selection of eight handpumps from micro brewers, something that’s earned them a listing in the Good Beer Guide. Look out for other keg tipples including Meantime, Bitburger, Licher and Sagres. The push on beer is so strong that CAMRA members actually get a discount on both drink and food – a nice touch. If you’d rather go for wine, there’s a good list of that too, with the house bottle starting at just £13.25 for white or red, and £14 for rose.
The Last Word
The Grape and Grain offers relaxing surroundings, plenty of events and loads of quality beers. It's particularly good for locals with a taste for real ale.
The Grape and Grain has been reviewed by 3 users