The Vanbrugh is a trendy Greenwich pub and restaurant with a classy feel and a down to earth crowd.

The Venue
A bit of a walk from Blackheath town and Greenwich town centre, but very close to the Maze Hill over-ground rail station, The Vanbrugh is a friendly local with quiz nights, music evenings and film screenings. There is a large alfresco beer garden and outdoor dining area filled with umbrella-protected benches, and food is cooked on barbeques in better weather. Indoors, the decor is bright, modern and interesting, if a little shabby on the edges. Funky wallpaper is set against open brick and paintwork, red leather Chesterfield sofas and chunky wooden tables.

The Atmosphere
On quiz nights and music evenings, the pub can become quite crowded, and buzzy. There’s a community feeling here, especially on event nights, almost like a cultured student union bar but with folks in their twenties and thirties. There is art hanging on the walls and jazz or indie music playing – sometimes live. If you are going there to eat, the Sunday lunchtime atmosphere is balanced at the right level for laid back and hung over eating: somewhere between chilled and happening. It is for the most part quite a young trendy crowd, but older locals and young children show their faces as well.

The Food
The Vanbrugh serves a good range of solid pub food. It is freshly cooked, but not groundbreaking in range. The menus roll from week to week, but expect offerings such as roast beef and lamb, chicken risotto, vegetarian lasagne and fish and chips. Mains can be had for around £6 - £8. Ciabatta style sandwiches, burgers and chip baskets are available also. Ingredients are market-bought and locally sourced and the resulting dishes taste fresh and home-cooked. The Sunday roast beef is a good choice, coming with all the trimmings, from puffy Yorkshire puddings to mash and market veg. The kitchen and carvery do a good job in filling your plate and are not afraid of lashing on butter and gravy.

The Drink
A great range of wines are on offer and as it’s a busy pub they can be safely ordered by the glass. A good selection of ales and beers available, although most are well known brands, not micro-brewery or specialised. A limited range of cocktails are also available.

The Last Word
The Vanbrugh is a great place to go for an interesting and relaxing bite out. It has a young and jazzy feel, great looks and a decent selection of food. Recommended!

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