There aren’t many good reasons to visit New Cross for a night out but the Amersham Arms is reason enough, especially if guy-liner, skinny jeans and cool bands rock your world.

The Venue
Perfectly placed to capture both the after-college drinks crowd and locals on a big night out, the infamous Amersham Arms proudly claims a corner opposite New Cross station near the arty Goldsmiths University. After a makeover (around three years ago) by the owners of Camden’s The Lock Tavern, this Victorian-era pub changed its reputation from being an old man’s hang out to a cool kids’ boozer. There’s no glossiness or glamour here; from the outside it looks old and tired and, inside, you might not even realise much has changed – but with plenty of space to play with it’s the best loved venue in the area.

The pub area at the front of the building is roomy, relaxed and dimly-lit with traditional wooden furniture, weary looking benches and the odd leather chair thrown in for comfort. At the back of the venue there’s a space that could easily be a separate venue in its own right. It has a lively but scruffy bar, a stage where DJs and bands play into the early hours and a dance floor where locals and students get to dance and mingle. Meanwhile, up a rickety staircase is another dining area-cum-art-gallery - called Take Courage - which feels a little like you’re sitting in someone’s living room. An eclectic array of objects, old furniture and a lack of music make it perfect for those between-lecture tipples or first dates. Smokers can revel in the surprisingly large garden outside and the choice of three areas to sit back and unwind makes the pub a popular choice.

The Atmosphere
Anyone who knows the area will know the type to frequent this local; arty types who get through hair spray like nobody’s business and who work the ‘alternative’ look with very little self-consciousness. That said, it still attracts an older generation with its simple pub food and comfy corners, so night or day anything goes. The vibe changes depending which area you’re in – expect lively students out the back and chilled after-work drinkers in the front. Staff are young, friendly but a little slow to mix their drinks – though that’s not necessarily a problem given that most punters choose a pint of cider over a cocktail.

The Music
Ever since this old haunt was reinvented, the indie scene – the odd louche celebrity included - has had a new destination for its weekends with top DJs crossing the river to please crowds of students. From the ever-popular Whip It! on a Friday night playing indie party anthems to up and coming DJs bringing the latest in dubstep and house, there’s plenty going on to keep the Facebook followers happy as Larry. Weekends see the bigger nights taking control with the party sometimes going on till 3am, so it’s more than just a pit-stop before a night out – it’s a destination for an entire night under one roof.

The Food
The Amersham Arms is famed in the area for a decent Sunday roast and its lunchtime favourites - if you can grab yourself a table. Traditional home cooked meals include steak and ale pie, burgers which come in generous portions, sandwiches and even Greek salad and soups. Meals are cheap and cheerful starting from as little as £3.50, and they’re all a good size but pretty average in terms of quality.

The bangers and mash is plain, simple and stodgy but good for soaking up the beers, while the healthier salmon option is served on a selection of vegetables if you’re watching the waistline. Though cooked and presented nicely, the food lacks a bit in the flavour department but it’s what you’d expect for around a fiver – and you’re more likely to visit for a good DJ than a slap-up meal.

The Drink
The Amersham Arms has embraced cocktails to please punters, though it needn’t have worried as few people here want more than a cheap pint. But with great deals such as two pint jugs for £7.50 on classics like mojitos at the weekends, you’ll want to give them a go. If you consider yourself a bit of a cocktail connoisseur you won’t be blown away by the quality but considering it’s a grimey pub in the depths of South East London it’s pretty much what you should expect.

The Mojito is appropriately zingy with sharp lime and mint to spruce it up, while the Cosmopolitan is smoother and a little dry in its overpowering cranberry flavours. The best bet is to try the Caipirinha – short, strong and to the point, it’s the best on offer by far. The menu also boasts a variety of other classics, all at just £5.95.

The pub also serves a good selection of spirits as well as San Miguel, Kronenbourg, Heineken, Guinness, a solitary bitter and cider, starting at £3.20 a pint.

The Last Word
With little competition in the surrounding area, the Amersham Arms has become home to up and coming bands and host to legendary dance music events. Whether you’re a music-and-art-loving local or a student from Goldsmiths, The Amersham Arms is a blessing.

venue information venue map view london review user reviews (3) what's on