Fancy a cheeky pint after stepping off the Thameslink at Bellingham? You’re in luck – this part of Lewisham punches above its weight for pubs. Right next to the station is the handsome, grade II‑listed Fellowship Inn (now The Fellowship and Star), built in the ’20s and recently spruced up with a café, cinema and live gigs. Just a minute’s stroll up Randlesdown Road, this local icon once hosted Fleetwood Mac and boxer Henry Cooper. Venture a tad further and you’ll discover a cosy cluster of Catford favourites: the Perry Hill, the Rutland Arms, the Green Man and the well‑supported Blythe Hill Tavern – all worth a stop if you fancy a real‑ale or vinyl‑warmed atmosphere. If you’re after something more vibrant, the Catford Bridge Tavern isn’t far, or you can stroll south to the stylish Waverley Arms and Palmerston. But honestly, for charm, history and that instant “I’ve arrived” feels, The Fellowship is the go‑to. Come for the beer, stay for the stories.
The Fellowship Inn
Address: Randlesdown Road, Bellingham, SE6 3BT
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Nestled next to Bellingham railway station in Lewisham, this striking Grade II‑listed pub sits on Randlesdown Road, part of the historic interwar Bellingham housing estate.
- What’s the Vibe? A beautifully restored 1920s mock‑Tudor host to a friendly, inclusive crowd. It blends vintage elegance with community warmth— – deal for groups, families, and dog‑owners alike.
What’s On Offer
- Historical features & cinema room; Retains original wood panelling, fireplaces and the central bar. Downstairs sits a restored 1927 Art‑Deco cinema, lovingly revived as a live‑performance and film space.
- Live events & comedy nights: Hosts regular events like “Cinema Comedy” nights in the vintage screen room, plus live music, DJ sets, quizzes and screenings. Expect infectious, local‑community energy.
- Pub grub & Sunday lunches: Serves classic, hearty British dishes – fish & chips, burgers, roasts – with vegetarian options and vegan snacks. Often praised as “one of the best fish and chips” and a “sumptuous Sunday roast”.
- Event spaces for hire: Offers multi‑functional event areas: the main pub, a hall, cinema, and “Henry’s Café” space. Hiring options include projector, sound system, DJ booth, and capacity for up to 200 standing.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday–Thursday: 16:00–23:00
- Friday & Saturday: 12:00–00:00
- Sunday: 12:00–22:30
The Perry Hill
Address: 78–80 Perry Hill, Forest Hill, SE6 4EY
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Nestled between Catford and Sydenham on the South Circular, The Perry Hill stands proudly on Perry Hill road, easily accessible by bus and within walking distance of Forest Hill and Bellingham stations.
- What’s the Vibe? A warm, family‑friendly roadhouse pub with a mix of charming period features and modern touches. Expect a relaxed atmosphere: wooden panelling, plentiful plants, artfully skewed paintings, and natural light flooding through large windows.
What’s On Offer
- Home‑smoked BBQ & Burgers: Their on‑site smokehouse delivers succulent slow‑cooked brisket, shredded pig shoulder, smoked celeriac steaks, and a standout double‑patty cheeseburger with potato‑flour buns – juicy, well‑seasoned, and mess‑free.
- Spacious Heated Beer Garden: One of the largest in South East London, featuring a bright mural, covered and heated areas, parasols, and a children’s play zone. Dogs are welcome, and the outdoor seating accommodates up to 250 guests.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit? Open daily from around 12 noon. Typical hours: Mon–Thu, Sun 12 pm–11 pm; Fri–Sat until midnight. Sundays close at 10.30 pm.
The Bell
Address: 59 Bell Green, Lower Sydenham, SE26 5SJ
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Nestled at the busy junction of Bell Green and Southend Lane in Lower Sydenham, this pub gave its name to the surrounding neighbourhood. Conveniently located opposite a large Sainsbury’s Savacentre and served by several bus routes and the nearby Lower Sydenham station.
- What’s the Vibe? A friendly, local boozer with two pool tables, a full jukebox and a relaxed, down‑to‑earth atmosphere. Expect casual socialising, a modest beer garden and the communal feel of a community pub rather than a trendy gastropub.
What’s On Offer
- Two Pool Tables & Jukebox — Ideal for a fun evening with friends or a spontaneous game night, alongside background tunes from the jukebox.
- Caribbean‑Influenced Hot Food — The Bell serves hot dishes with a Caribbean twist, offering something a bit different from standard pub grub.
- Sports and Garden Amenities: Features include a beer garden for warmer days, as well as live sports shown via Sky Sports and TNT Sports on TV.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Monday to Saturday: 11:00–23:00
- Sunday: 12:00–22:30
Ready to Visit?
Bellingham and its neighbouring corners of Catford and Lower Sydenham offer a rich mix of historic charm and down-to-earth pub culture. Whether you’re drawn to the beautifully restored 1920s Fellowship Inn with its live events and on-site cinema, or fancy a heartier bite and a huge beer garden at the Perry Hill, there’s something for every taste. For those seeking a casual local feel, The Bell delivers laid-back vibes, pool tables, and Caribbean-influenced food just across from the Savacentre.
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