If you’re hopping off at Maze Hill rail station and fancy a tipple, you’re in luck! This corner of Greenwich is brimming with cosy pubs and lively bars, all within a short stroll. From historic haunts like The Plume of Feathers, dating back to 1691, to the quirky charm of The Duke of Greenwich with its modern smokehouse fare, there’s a spot for every mood. Whether you’re after a riverside pint at The Cutty Sark or some live music at The Pelton Arms, Maze Hill’s got your evening sorted. So, lace up your walking shoes and prepare to explore some of the best watering holes this side of the Thames!
The Duke of Greenwich
Address: 91 Colomb Street, Greenwich, SE10 9EZ
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Nestled in a quiet residential pocket of East Greenwich, The Duke of Greenwich is just a short walk from Maze Hill station. This historic pub, originally opened in 1868 as The Duke of Edinburgh, has undergone several transformations, most recently reimagined by the team behind The Jolly Gardeners in Vauxhall.
- What’s the Vibe? The Duke strikes a balance between traditional pub charm and contemporary flair. Inside, you’ll find a cosy, dog-friendly space with a relaxed atmosphere, while the expansive walled beer garden offers a leafy retreat complete with an outdoor bar and communal seating.
What’s On Offer
- Smokehouse BBQ & Sunday Roasts: The Duke’s culinary focus is on quality smokehouse fare. Meats are butchered on-site and cooked over a bespoke fire cage BBQ using Marabu coals, enhancing the flavour of dishes like smoked beer can chicken and lamb ribs . Their Sunday roasts have garnered acclaim, featuring meats from Lyons Hill Farm in Dorset and fresh fish from Cornwall.
- Local Brews & Seasonal Menus: Championing local producers, The Duke offers a rotating selection of craft beers from South London breweries such as Signal Brewery and Brew by Numbers . The menu changes seasonally, ensuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients are at the forefront of their offerings.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 4pm – 11pm
- Wednesday – Saturday: 12pm – 11pm
- Sunday: 12pm – 9pm
The Pelton Arms
Address: 23–25 Pelton Road, Greenwich, SE10 9PQ
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Tucked away on a quiet residential street in East Greenwich, The Pelton Arms is just a short stroll from the Thames Path and about a 10-minute walk from the Cutty Sark and Greenwich town centre. It’s also conveniently close to Maze Hill station, making it easily accessible by public transport.
- What’s the Vibe? This pub exudes the charm of a classic British local, featuring a wedge-shaped building adorned with green tiling and hanging baskets. Inside, you’ll find a cosy, lived-in atmosphere with dark wood fittings, brewery mirrors, and a real fireplace, complemented by an eclectic mix of decor. The Pelton Arms is known for its warm, welcoming environment where locals and newcomers alike feel at home.
What’s On Offer
- Wandercrust Pizza: The pub hosts Wandercrust, an award-winning pizza kitchen renowned for its Neapolitan-style wood-fired pizzas. Their menu includes a variety of options, from classic Margheritas to inventive creations like the ‘American Psycho’. The pizzas are praised for their chewy, blistered crusts and flavourful tomato bases.
- Live Music & Events: The Pelton Arms is legendary for its live music scene, featuring performances from some of the best bands in South East London. Regular events include quiz nights, open mic sessions, and themed nights, creating a vibrant community hub for entertainment.
- Accommodation: The Pelton Arms offers five guest rooms above the pub, providing a convenient stay for visitors.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Monday – Thursday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Friday – Saturday: 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM Thatsup
- Food Service Times:
- Monday – Saturday: 12:00 PM – 9:30 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
The Trafalgar Tavern
Address: 27 Park Row, Greenwich, SE10 9NW
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Nestled along the River Thames in the heart of maritime Greenwich, The Trafalgar Tavern is a short stroll from the Cutty Sark DLR station and Greenwich Park. Its riverside position offers panoramic views across the water, making it a standout destination for both locals and visitors.
- What’s the Vibe? Steeped in naval history since 1837, the tavern exudes Victorian charm with its ornate interiors, period artwork, and grand bay windows. The atmosphere is a blend of historic elegance and lively conviviality, offering a warm welcome whether you’re stopping by for a pint or attending a special event.
What’s On Offer
- Traditional British Fare: The Trafalgar Tavern prides itself on its seasonal menus that celebrate British cuisine. Signature dishes include the historic Greenwich whitebait and renowned Sunday roasts, served in the elegant Nile Restaurant overlooking the Thames.
- Live Entertainment and Events: Regular events enliven the tavern’s calendar, featuring live music performances every weekend, comedy nights on Thursdays, and engaging quiz nights. These events provide a vibrant backdrop to the tavern’s historic setting.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit? The tavern welcomes guests daily from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
The Cutty Sark
Address: 4–6 Ballast Quay, Greenwich, SE10 9PD
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Nestled along the Thames Path in East Greenwich, The Cutty Sark sits directly on the riverbank at Ballast Quay. It’s a short stroll from Maze Hill station and about a 10-minute walk from Cutty Sark DLR, offering scenic views of the Thames and Canary Wharf.
- What’s the Vibe? This historic Georgian pub, dating back to the early 19th century, exudes maritime charm with its bow-fronted windows and nautical décor. Inside, you’ll find cosy wooden interiors and open fireplaces, while the riverside terrace provides a tranquil spot for alfresco drinks.
What’s On Offer
- Seasonal British Menu & Sunday Roasts: The Cutty Sark prides itself on a menu featuring fresh, sustainable British ingredients. Highlights include classic fish and chips, hearty pies, and a renowned Sunday roast. Seafood lovers will appreciate dishes like grilled sea bass and seasonal specials.
- Riverside Dining & Private Events: The pub offers three floors of dining with panoramic river views. The top-floor ‘Crow’s Nest’ is available for private hire, ideal for gatherings and celebrations. The riverside terrace is perfect for enjoying drinks and meals during warmer months.
- Accessibility & Facilities: The pub is dog-friendly and offers wheelchair access, including disabled toilets. It’s a family-friendly venue with a children’s menu available.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Monday to Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 10:30 PM
The River Ale House
Address: 131 Woolwich Road, Greenwich, SE10 0RJ
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Situated in East Greenwich, The River Ale House occupies a former lingerie shop along Woolwich Road. It’s conveniently located near Westcombe Park station and is easily accessible via several bus routes, including the 177, 180, 129, 442, and 286.
- What’s the Vibe? This micropub exudes a rustic charm with its exposed brickwork and furniture crafted from scaffolding boards. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, fostering a sense of community among patrons. It’s a dog-friendly establishment, often frequented by locals and visitors seeking a relaxed environment to enjoy quality ales.
What’s On Offer
- Rotating Selection of Real Ales and Ciders: The pub boasts a dynamic range of 6 to 8 real ales and approximately a dozen ciders, all served directly from casks stored in a chilled room. The selection frequently changes, offering patrons a diverse tasting experience.
- Community Events & Live Music: Beyond its drink offerings, The River Ale House hosts live folk music sessions on Tuesday evenings, enhancing its community-centric appeal. The venue also encourages social interaction by providing board games and maintaining a mobile-phone-silent environment.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Monday to Thursday: 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Friday: 2:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Saturday: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Sunday: 1:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Ready to Visit?
Maze Hill is a hidden gem in East Greenwich, offering a charming blend of riverside beauty, history, and community spirit. Whether you’re drawn to the smokehouse specials at The Duke of Greenwich, fancy live music and wood-fired pizza at The Pelton Arms, or prefer a pint with a view at The Cutty Sark, there’s something for every kind of pub-goer here. It’s a perfect pocket of pubs, all within easy walking distance of Maze Hill station.
Share the Love
Tried one of these cracking local pubs? Share this guide with your mates, leave a review, and help others discover the best of Maze Hill’s brilliant bar scene.
