A Nunhead pub has been named the greatest boozer in London thanks to its “perfect Guinness”, Irish entertainment and mixed crowd of “OAPs” and “chic fashion students”.
Skehans Free House beat rival Southwark establishments like The Ivy House, Nunhead (10), The Prince of Peckham (19th), The Mayflower in Rotherhithe (35th) and The Camberwell Arms (46th) to the top spot on Time Out’s ‘Best Pubs’ list.
The cosy pub, famed for its beautiful, ivy-clad exterior and “good craic” is on Kitto Road, just a five minutes walk from Nunhead Station.
Time Out said: “A place of legend in Nunhead, this towering corner pub is as fun as it is friendly.
“It’s family-run and independent, a rare thing these days in London, and attracts everyone from OAPs to local bands, chic fashion students and troupes of cheerful lads. There’s karaoke, folk-music nights and terrific Thai food too.
“What more could you want? Perfect Guinness? Well, this is a proper Irish pub, so you’re in luck.”
Live music at Skehans’s Freehouse #nunhead last night. Purveyors of Craic ?? Great atmosphere. Family run / independent pub. Large outdoor area. One of the best pints of Guinness in South London ?? #newcross #livemusic #irishpubs #londonpubs pic.twitter.com/mFALDKJ71L
— Saving London Pubs (@PubsSaving) January 15, 2023
It’s got a large garden and sizeable floor space which accommodates darts, pool, live sport and live music.
There are Monday night ‘Jam Sessions’, quiz nights on Thursday, and Fridays are reserved for notoriously raucous karaoke nights.
Punters can tuck into Thai food from the Chai Garden restaurant throughout the week and there’s a burger night on Tuesdays serving patties from local butchers.
On its website, Skehans wrote: “Skehans is a melting pot in the middle of the melting pot that is London… We have a friendly traditional front bar with a pool table and darts. Our wood burning stove is always kept burning during the winter months.
“Come on in and enjoy the odd pint, everyone is welcome in Skehans.”
One Google reviewer wrote: “This is the best pub in London and all my friends would agree, the Thai food on the weekdays is insane and Chico’s roast on Sunday is incredible. A special shout-out to Pat who always keeps everyone safe and happy!”
Another said: “One of, if not the best pub in London. Fantastic.”