The Red Bull

Historic Pub with Stunning Mural Charm

So I found myself wandering down the historic and somewhat gritty thoroughfare of Peckham High Street when I stumbled upon The Red Bull, a pub that boasts as many lives as a cat. From its 17th-century origins to its reincarnation as Barefoot Joe's, it’s seen some things. Now, with its reinstated moniker and tucked away by Manze's iconic pie shop, this pub feels like a rediscovered gem worthy of London's bohemian enclave. The servery catches your eye—a steadfast wooden counter that's watched over generations of drinkers—but it's the Victorian tiles telling "The Trial of Queen Katherine" story that's the ace in the hole, showing that sometimes you can have history and beer together on the same night out.

On a balmy July evening, I sauntered in around 8 pm, the warm air peppered with local laughter and the occasional clink of a pint glass. I perched myself comfortably with a Cruzcampo in hand, set to an impossible-to-beat price that made my wallet sigh in relief. For those who fancy a slice with their pint, you’ll find a delightful pizza selection—nine in total, each promising thin-crusted, cheesy satisfaction. Shout-out to the friendly team behind the bar, blisteringly good at making a guest feel like they’ve come home, chatting about the mural's storied legacy. Honestly, in an era where so many traditional pubs capsize under modernity's weight, The Red Bull holds the line splendidly. Perfect for curing those urban blues with a draft pint or rounding off the day with one of their lively events; you'll leave feeling a bit more ‘Peckham’ than when you walked in. — Milo Tastemaker