A Greenwich pub, theatre and hostel given an overhaul by trendy lightshades and arty posters, Belushis is a good place to hide from the pricey Greenwich middleclass bars.

The Venue
Bang next to the main Greenwich railway station and Novotel Hotel, Belushis makes sense as a bar in which to meet travelling friends. If said friends are travelling from further than New Cross - like Chile - the complex also possesses a hostel. This means you’re likely to meet lost Chilean teenagers wandering through the bar. Although the brand name isn’t necessarily synonymous with glamour, Belushis makeover isn’t half-bad on the eye. Attractive red lightshades follow the length of the bar, and the walls feature arty collages of pop posters and newspaper extracts. One wall is covered by a huge print of Brit pop grandfathers The Who. It’s unclear what the male-dominated football-following crowds and hostel-dwelling students make of its art; they’re often more interested in one of the many flat screen televisions dotted about the large room.

The Atmosphere
The bar staff at Belushis are friendly enough, but the long bar and weight of custom (especially when football is on - Greenwich suffers from few Sky screens) can cause long waits for a pint. Friday and Saturday nights advertise DJs and tables are moved to make way for dancing. It’s not particularly sophisticated, it’s not self-consciously trendy, but you can find a good time if you look and drink hard enough.

The Food
Standard choice, standard price, standard quality. Although the menu offers tapas, further study reveals it to be small plates of potato wedges and onion rings, rather than more traditionally Spanish cuisine. That said, the burgers are of a solid, meaty quality.

The Drink
You come here, you drink lager. If you’re fed up with lager, you order spirit and mixers. The food menu lists some wine, but there are probably better places to quaff a vintage Merlot.

The Last Word
Belushis is an unpretentious chain pub with a predominantly young, male crowd. A good bet for football watching or cheap boozing.

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