The New Cross outpost of the Hobgoblin chain is a busy, bright and welcoming traditional British boozer with the added attraction of an extensive Thai food menu.

The Venue
Situated close to New Cross Gate train station and the busy New Cross Road, it’s painted a loud bright yellow colour, although the old-fashioned, lead-lined windows are a hint to the building’s long past as a pub. The pub itself is a square building with a large wooden bar in the centre, with a garden to the rear, where barbecues are held every Friday. There’s a charmingly motley collection of pub furniture, so take your pick from church pews or high tables and stools depending on how settled you want to get. As well as the omnipresent Sky Sports flat screen, there are machines galore to keep you entertained, including a snazzy arcade-style Tetris game.

The Atmosphere
Buzzing with chat, as a combination of locals and workers from nearby office pop in for a quick drink or celebrate a birthday - a wise move, as the landlord openly invites birthday boys/girls to ask him for a free drink. Likewise, with a whopping 20% discount for students between 2-8pm from Mondays to Fridays, it’s popular with the local population of scholars from Goldsmith’s College. There are people planning to spend the evening here, too, but most seem to be on the way somewhere else or meeting up quickly, all of which adds to the lively if not quite manic mood.

The Food
Thai food is served from Monday to Thursday and on Saturdays, with a magnificent array of dishes at very reasonable prices. The more economically challenged can go for a starters (all at £3), tom tom soup (£3) or a plate of chips (£2), but £6.50 gets you a main course, with a choice of pork, tofu, beef, chicken or prawns cooked in any number of styles. Meanwhile, Fridays are reserved for barbecue action and Sundays offer a full traditional roast dinner.

The Drink
Lots on tap, including pints of Foster’s (£3.50), John Smith’s (£3.35), Stella (£3.60), Guinness (£3.50), Kronenbourg, Amstel and Heineken (all £3.55). There’s also bottles of Budvar, Budweiser and Beck’s (all at £3.45), Smirnoff Ice, WKD and Newcastle Brown (all at £3.75), Bulmer’s at £3.75 for the cider drinkers, and a good range of spirits.

The Last Word
The bar prices are certainly competitive, the beer well-kept and the array of food on offer original and well thought out. Add some friendly staff, and you’ve got an ideal place to start your evening, enjoy a quick post-work drink, or avoid lectures.

venue information venue map view london review user reviews (2)