Historical version 16 of Amersham Arms, SE14 6TY (view current version)
- 020 8469 1499
- 388 New Cross Road, SE14 6TY (streetmap) (osm) (gmap) (bingmap) (streetview)
- amersham-arms.co.uk
- noon-midnight Mon-Wed; noon-late (whatever that means) Thu-Sat; noon-midnight Sun
This pub has gone through many changes. When Bec first lived in New Cross it was a proper old man pub, complete with cranky Irish dudes watching the racing and scowling at ladies who dared to order pints. Then it went a bit student-y, but fairly standard, and now it's been taken over by the [Lock Tavern]? people and is still student-y, but mostly relaxed, friendly and an awesome local.
They've gutted the insides and there are comfy sofas everywhere. Coffee and tea are only 50p so I can see myself relaxing with a Saturday newspaper and getting my caffiene fix cheaply. The beer isn't hugely varied or cheap (£3.00 for lager) but it's not stupidly expensive, and there are some real ales.
Food looks interesting. On our visit in March 2008, Bec had the mug of soup with unlimited bread and duly ordered further bread, which came soon enough (though we had a fair wait for our food to come initially). The hummus and pitta bread had tasty fresh hummus and warmed slightly crispy bread, while the vegetarian burger was a little dry, but the chips were thinly-cut and well-cooked, very nice and came with a chunky tomato salsa as well as salad.
Other fun stuff: bar billiards, up and coming bands (as well as the occasional gig by established acts once in a while, though these sell out very quickly) and DJs in the Catapult behind the pub, and events like Bingo Bring & Share. There's an open mic jazz jam on Tuesdays.
On the second Sunday of each month, they have a pub quiz which starts at 4:30pm, run by the Buttoned-Down Disco people. It has five rounds and a picture round, entry is £1.00, and the prize is the collected money (so not particularly huge). However, it's good fun for a Sunday afternoon and comes recommended, though the ale ran out sometime in the early-evening. House wine was perfectly drinkable, though.
The only thing I can complain about (because I can always complain about something) is that the bar staff are far too young. Seriously, they look about twelve. Disturbing.
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