Part of our Best Pubs in London microsite. Is your local listed?
In many ways, the Prince of Wales is your typical old-school boozer. Of modest size and homely comfort, it stocks a limited but very well kept range of beers and serves up traditional pub grub. But this is the poshest bit of Kennington, and the offering is just that little bit more polished than elsewhere. The clientele, some in blazers and cravats on our visit, are clearly a more refined bunch than the Richardson gang (rivals of the Krays), who frequented the bar half a century ago.
Formerly a Shepherd Neame pub (and still with the feel of one), the PoW is now ran by the Black Dog Pub Co, who also look after the nearby Three Stags, as well as the landmark Mayflower in Rotherhithe. The change of hands in 2019 brought with it a major overhaul of the interior decor, yet it still looks and feels like the pub of old.
The pub is simultaneously one of the smallest and largest in the area. The interior has but a handful of tables. However, grab your pint in a plastic cup, and you can enjoy it outside in the Georgian splendour of Cleaver Square — actually an elongated rectangle. On fine days, it's not unusual to see teams of boules players tossing their balls around the place.
Images below are from 2015, since when the interior has changed greatly. We leave them intact for posterity.
