A historic pub situated in a leafy, quiet corner of Nunhead close to Peckham Rye, The Old Nun's Head is a community pub with lots of events and a varied clientele. They also offer some great food and an ever-changing array of real ales.

The Venue
An atmospheric Tudor-era building said to have once been a convent until Oliver Cromwell's men executed its mother superior, the interior has been modernised but retains an element of its original wood-panelled, old English charm. A large, well stocked bar is the first site to greet visitors, but elsewhere there's a choice of sofas, bar stools and dining tables on which to perch.

The Atmosphere
Truly community-orientated, the pub's regulars vary from a local fisherman brandishing his latest catch to gay and lesbian activists who often head here after meetings nearby. The pub's pop-up fair brings lots of retro/vintage glamour to the place, too, and the function room upstairs from the pub plays host to the local branch of the National Childbirth Trust, as well as entertainment – everything from full on northern soul discos (complete with talc on the dancefloor) to free live acoustic music nights every Wednesday that Squeeze's Glen Tilbrook and other big names have been known to frequent on occasion.

The Food
With an emphasis on locally sourced and seasonal ingredients, the lunch and dinner menus are both eclectic with lots of vegetarian options like the chickpea burger and chips (£7.50), more exotic options like a Thai green curry or pumpkin curry, (both £8.50) and traditional English favourites like cod, chips and mushy peas (£8.50) and rainbow trout (£9). The portions are reasonable if not huge, but when the ingredients are as exceptional as this, you won't be left wanting more.

The Drink
Real ale is a strongpoint, with a rotating array of unusual brews changing every week and beer festivals also a regular occurrence. If it's on, try a pint of TEA (Traditional English Ale) from the Hogsback brewery in Surrey, which like all other guest beers will set you back £3.30 a pint. The top end of the wine range is a red rioja at £18 per bottle, but a small glass of house white is £3.50 or £13 for a bottle, and mojitas (£6.50) are popular among the cocktail crowd.

The Last Word
A friendly local with a mixed crowd of drinkers, diners and event goers, plus an endless selection of speciality beers and gourmet-level food. The Old Nun's Head is one habit you should get into.

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