The Best Bars and Pubs Near West Norwood Rail Station

The Best Bars and Pubs Near West Norwood Rail Station

Just a hop, skip, and a jump from West Norwood Rail Station, you’ll find some cracking spots to wet your whistle. The Great North Wood is a family-friendly pub serving modern British dishes and Sunday roasts, complete with a beer garden and function room. Not far off, Knowles of Norwood offers a cosy atmosphere with a fantastic range of drinks and live music. For a lively night out, The Hope is a traditional pub known for its cosy atmosphere, a wide range of beers, and live music events. So, whether you’re after a quiet pint or a night of tunes, West Norwood’s got you covered


The Great North Wood

Address: 3 Knights Hill, West Norwood, SE27 0HS

The Basics: Location and Atmosphere

  • Where Is It? The Great North Wood is situated in the heart of West Norwood, adjacent to platform 1 of West Norwood train station, making it easily accessible for both locals and visitors.
  • What’s the Vibe? Established in 1864, this pub has long been a gathering spot for the community. It offers a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, featuring a spacious beer garden for sunny days and a cosy interior with bare brick walls and comfortable seating, perfect for unwinding.

What’s On Offer

  • Culinary Delights: The kitchen focuses on British pub classics, prepared with quality, local, and seasonal ingredients. The menu includes dishes like beetroot hummus with feta, pomegranate, and flatbread, as well as mussels in leeks and cider with chips.
  • Entertainment & Events: The pub hosts a variety of events, including monthly themed quizzes, comedy nights, and craft workshops. There’s also a regular pub quiz every Monday, offering a £50 bar tab for the winning team.

Practical Info

  • When Can You Visit?
    • Monday – Thursday: 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm​
    • Friday & Saturday: 12:00 pm – 12:00 am​
    • Sunday: 12:00 pm – 10:30 pm​
  • The kitchen’s opening hours are:​
    • Monday and Tuesday: 4:00 pm – 8:45 pm
    • Wednesday: 12:00 pm – 8:45 pm​
    • Thursday, Friday, and Saturday: 12:00 pm – 9:45 pm​
    • Sunday: 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm

The Great North Wood


Knowles of Norwood

Address: 294-296 Norwood Road, West Norwood, SE27 9AF

The Basics: Location and Atmosphere

  • Where Is It? Situated in the heart of West Norwood, Knowles of Norwood is conveniently located on Norwood Road.
  • What’s the Vibe? The pub exudes a welcoming and eclectic atmosphere, blending vintage decor with contemporary touches. Its interior features elements reminiscent of its past as a hardware shop, creating a cosy and unique environment.

What’s On Offer

  • Exceptional Sunday Roasts: Renowned for serving some of the best Sunday roasts in South East London, Knowles of Norwood offers a variety of roast options that have received high praise from patrons.
  • Live Music & Quiz: The pub hosts live music sessions every first Sunday of the month, providing entertainment that complements its culinary offerings. Additionally, a popular pub quiz takes place every Wednesday evening, fostering a lively community atmosphere.

Practical Info

  • When Can You Visit?
    • Monday to Thursday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM​
    • Friday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM​
    • Saturday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM​
    • Sunday: 10:00 AM – 10:30 PM

Knowles of Norwood


Badger Badger

Address: 543 Norwood Road, London, SE27 9DW

The Basics: Location and Atmosphere

  • Where Is It? Situated in the heart of West Norwood, Badger Badger occupies a prominent position on Norwood Road, easily accessible from West Norwood station.
  • What’s the Vibe? The venue offers a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, combining the charm of a traditional pub with the excitement of a board game café. Its modern décor and friendly staff create a comfortable environment for both casual visitors and gaming enthusiasts.​

What’s On Offer

  • Japanese-Inspired Street Food: Badger Badger specialises in freshly prepared dishes that blend Japanese flavours with Western influences. The menu features items like yakitori skewers, bao buns, and Japanese salad boxes, offering a unique culinary experience.
  • Extensive Board Game Library: With over 400 board games available, guests can enjoy a wide selection ranging from classic favourites to modern strategy games. The dedicated gaming team is on hand to recommend and explain games, ensuring an enjoyable experience for all.

Practical Info

  • When Can You Visit? Badger Badger is open Monday to Thursday from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM, Friday and Saturday from 10:00 AM to Midnight, and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM.

Badger Badger


The Horns Tavern

Address: 40 Knights Hill, West Norwood, SE27 0HY

The Basics: Location and Atmosphere

  • Where Is It? The Horns Tavern is situated in the heart of West Norwood, London, at 40 Knights Hill, SE27 0HY. It’s conveniently located near West Norwood station.
  • What’s the Vibe? This traditional pub offers a warm and friendly atmosphere, making it a favourite among locals. Its classic design and welcoming environment provide a comfortable setting for patrons to relax and socialise.

What’s On Offer

  • Historic Interior: The Horns Tavern boasts an interior that retains much of its original 1930s layout and features. The saloon bar, located at the building’s apex, is on two levels and showcases an original bar counter, panelling up to two-thirds height, and a doorway with twin doors marked ‘Saloon’ and ‘Bar’. The public bar also maintains its historical charm with features like mirrored panels.
  • Community Events: The pub actively engages with the local community by hosting events such as the Redtooth Poker League on Thursday evenings, welcoming both new and seasoned players.

Practical Info

  • When Can You Visit?
    • Monday to Saturday: 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM​
    • Sunday: 12:00 PM to 10:30 PM

The Horns Tavern


The Hope

Address: 49 Norwood High Street, West Norwood, SE27 9JS

The Basics: Location and Atmosphere

  • Where Is It? Nestled in the heart of West Norwood, The Hope is situated approximately five miles south of Charing Cross, within the London Borough of Lambeth.
  • What’s the Vibe? Established around 1850, The Hope exudes the charm of a traditional British pub. Its cosy interior, complemented by a sunny patio garden at the rear, offers a welcoming atmosphere for both locals and visitors. The pub is renowned for its friendly staff and community-centric ethos, often hosting charity events and supporting local initiatives.

What’s On Offer

  • Culinary Delights: The Hope is celebrated for its hearty Sunday roasts, described by patrons as “just like home cooking” with generous portions at reasonable prices. Additionally, Thursdays feature a Curry Night, offering a variety of flavourful dishes.
  • Entertainment & Events: Beyond its culinary offerings, The Hope serves as a hub for live entertainment, charity events, and major sporting event screenings.
  • Function Room: The pub boasts a private function room and a covered, heated outdoor area, making it an ideal venue for gatherings such as parties, wedding receptions, and meetings.

Practical Info

  • When Can You Visit?
    • Monday to Thursday: 12:00 PM – 11:30 PM​
    • Friday and Saturday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM​
    • Sunday: 12:00 PM – 11:30 PM​
  • Food service times are:​
    • Thursday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM​
    • Sunday: 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM

The Hope


Ready to Visit?

West Norwood is home to a fantastic mix of pubs and bars, offering everything from traditional British boozers to modern venues with a twist. Whether you’re after a hearty Sunday roast at The Great North Wood, a relaxed evening with live music at Knowles of Norwood, or a board game night at Badger Badger, there’s something for everyone. If you’re a fan of historic pubs, The Horns Tavern retains its original 1930s charm, while The Hope brings a community-focused atmosphere with live events and charity nights. Whatever your vibe, West Norwood’s pub scene has you covered.

Share the Love

Why not pop into one of these brilliant West Norwood pubs and see what they have to offer? Share this guide with friends, plan your next night out, and don’t forget to leave a review after your visit!

Vicky Simmance

Vicky moved to London in 2005 and soon made the city’s pubs and bars her playground. She has lived North, South, East and West, so she knows each area’s quirks. From centuries-old boozers to sleek cocktail joints, she has tried the lot, usually with friends in tow. That experience led her to create barguide.london, a no-nonsense guide for anyone after a decent drink without the guesswork. Read my full bio

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