The Dog & Bell

Cozy Haven with Enchanting Vibes

Tucked away in the charming nooks of Deptford is a pub that exudes authenticity and beckons with the coziness of a well-loved local haunt. The moment you walk through the doors, you're greeted by an interior that whispers tales of yore—a beautiful blend of history and heart. The bar boasts an impressive selection of real ales and craft beers, complete with Belgian brews for the adventurous drinker. On the day I visited, the lively tunes of a traditional Irish band filled the air, lending the place the kind of vibrancy that makes even a weekday evening feel special. The plethora of board games and ample seating both inside and out demonstrate their eagerness to cater to both solitary contemplations over a pint and spirited reunions of old mates.

Now, onto the menu, which, albeit modest, is robust on flavor and variety, thoughtfully catering to everyone including our vegan friends. There is something fundamentally hearty about tucking into a flagship dish such as a Sunday roast or indeed a deftly seasoned vegan burger. While my onion soup adventure felt like a dish best left to imagination rather than execution—with its unpalatable greasy burnt onions—it was also a rare blip amid the culinary highs. Outside, a delightful beer garden stretches invitingly under the sky, a haven for dog owners and merry-makers alike. This place knows how to throw a party, as seen in its jubilant cider and sausage festivals, not least for a fiver a pint! All these features bundled together make this pub less of a hidden gem and more of a polished one, a comforting testament to everything an independent watering hole should be. — Milo Tastemaker