The Space
Play board games in cosy mahogany booths during the winter and glug Pimms by the jug load in the summer. Whenever it is, the huge windows and worn floorboards mean this old pub never feels stuffy. The dining area is separated from the bar by
original wood paneling and is downright cute, with candles and eclectic (but not try-hard eclectic) furniture. There’s an outdoors terrace area too, which looks onto Dulwich road.
The Punters
The Regent’s in a residential spot so there’s a local crowd most weeknights. Families and bigger groups at weekends. And cyclists. Lots of them, en route from Herne Hill Velodrome – so you’ll catch your fair share of Lycra.
The Booze
A couple of guest ales and two more staples (of Black Sheep ilk). A relatively standard array of decent brand lagers and a satisfying selection of wines to compliment the food menu. Plus the odd cocktail scribbled on a chalk board.
The Grub
The food is more worthy of dining out than a quick beer and a bite. That said, the Regent does both well. As one of the area’s first pubs to gastrocize, it set a precedent that few have lived up to. The menu not only does an exceedingly good job with the warming classics, but the changing a la carte specials are scrummy and adventurous.
The Damage
Just under £4 a pint. For a main course you’re looking at £11-16. So it’s definitely at the pricier end. (The crisps are flippin’ expensive though so watch that one – whinge out of the way.)
An Interesting Fact
Until very recently, the hand drier didn’t work in the bloke’s toilets for over five years.
The Highlights
It’s one of those rare things – an elegant place to eat in and a good boozer to drink in. One doesn’t ruin the other and it still oozes that old-worldy pub charm – just without the sticky carpets and the Toby beer mugs.
What else they got in the bag?
A good quiz night on Tuesdays and a film night on Sundays. Look out for their beer and cider festivals too. There’s also a popular upstairs function room (for want of a better term) often used for weddings and exhibitions.
What’s a bit rubbish?
It gets busy so occasionally the bar service can be a little on the unsentimental side.
To sum it up.
A proper boozer with a splash of elegance, where you can lose an afternoon with either a buddy or a date.
Check out the pub’s website here.
Address: 69 Dulwich Road, London, SE24 0NJ. Tel: 020 7274 1567.
Brixton Pubs – The Prince Regent written by Keith Lewis
