This pub was chosen for inclusion by the Londonist editorial team because it's bloody good and deserves to be in here.
We can't think of many suburban stations that contain a pub. Two, in fact. There's The Railway at Kew Gardens. And then there's The Phoenix at Denmark Hill (on the London Overground network). And what a pub. Housed in a rescued station building, The Phoenix stretches up high into its wooden rafters yet feels snug and welcoming. A huge clock hovers above, presumably another survival from the steam age. And you'll feel the regular rumble of trains passing beneath the pub.
Turn left for a dining area, right for drinking, or — best of all — climb the spiral staircase for a mezzanine view of the space. The bar provides four draught ales from the likes of Sambrook's and the ubiquitous Doom Bar. We enjoyed a pint of Dissolution IPA on our recent visit — a hoppy pleasure with a 5% kick. Lager and cider fans will find succour in the bountiful range. We didn't try it, but we were sorely tempted by 'Nigel's Magnificent Mulled Wine'. The Sunday lunch menu also looked mouthwatering, with modern classics at a reasonable price.
Finally, you've got to admire what must be one of London's most out-of-date accolades. The pub carries a plaque marked 'Evening Standard Pub of the Year: 1993'. Many of those enjoying this place's charms weren't even born.
Last updated June 2015.
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