Jolly Woodman — Restaurant in London

This pub used to be my local many years ago and back then it was very much a "locals" pub. It had it's regulars and it's personalities and even had the tankards of regular customers hanging up behind the bar. It was a little dingy but it was cosy and always had a great atmosphere. I imagine it may have been a bit daunting to people who had never been before though.

Then I moved away and and didn't return for 30 years. Things have changed a bit since I was last there but the core qualities that made this pub great have remained. The cosiness and friendly atmosphere has remained but the decor has been smartened up and it is now bright and welcoming. Though I haven't been for a long time, and it was hard for me to tell, it looked like there was still quite a few local residents frequenting the place but they were less insular than we used to be and were friendly and welcoming. The staff were pleasant and efficient, joking and chatting with the customers and contributing to the overall happy ambiance.

The only problem with the place is the same problem it's always had, The Jolly Woodman is small. It's very difficult to maneuver around inside and getting your drinks from the bar to your table can be an adventure as customers have to dance around each other to avoid disaster. Not so bad on a quiet night, but a problem when it gets busy. Still, it can't be helped so, to mitigate this, the beer garden has loads of seating, heaters and a big waterproof awning.

I like this place as I have many happy memories associated with it. Now, having returned, I'm hoping to make many...

Delightful country style pub, with no fruit machines, stinking food or blaring music and in a lovely quiet spot. In my two visits I have been disappointed with the ale and feel more training of the very young (but cheerfully willing) bar staff is required. They do not seem to understand the cellar and clearly have no knowledge of the condition of ales. The faffing over barrell changes and pull through was clearly due to inexperience. My Tim Taylor's was flat and lacking condition and I watched a pint of very soupy Harvey's, clearly dredged from the barrell bottom, blithely handed to a customer. I'm assuming the actual recipient sent it back. Hophead was fine but freezing cold. I will persist with the pub as it's friendly and civilised but, at present, I can see why the...

Splendid range of real ale! Lovely bar area! Set in a quiet location but with easy access to public transport by tram,rail and bus. A clean environment in beautiful Beckenham! Outside toilet, secret garden, proper furniture,no fancy food to attract annoying diners and fussy 'kids' with attendant tantrums! Why London Drinker has ignored this establishment from putting it as Greater London Pub of The Year, (and awarding it to a vastly inferior destination)is something I cannot fathom,but it is perhaps as it should be that the lovely local clientele should keep this gem to themselves and keep the sandal wearing, bearded beer testers in the general direction of...