The Dog & Bell — Restaurant in London

Updated Review:

As Allan Williams has pointed out, the Dog & Bell is under new management and plays piped music. What he didn't point out was that the previous management (and still leaseholders) used to play piped music in the pub when it suited them. The current piped music is as discreet as it can be.

He also didn't mention that there is now free wifi, pork pies and pickled eggs behind the bar, pleasant candles on the table, tea and espresso coffee and, at the time of my visit over xmas, a very pretty piece of window artwork. Good luck to the new management at the Dog and Bell!

Old Review:

The Dog & Bell is an old school "real ale pub" i.e. one of those pubs that served good cask beer before it became trendy. Often these pubs weren't the most comfortable of places but the landlord and landlady obviously made an effort with this place. The reclaimed church pews give it a gothic feel in the main bar which, in turn, gives it the air of a Flanders drinkery - supported by what was once a famous Belgian beer selection but now seems run-of-the-mill. In many ways the D&B's failings (if you could call them failings) is how out of touch with the current requirements of the modern drinker/eater it is. The quality of the food won't appeal to many modern pub goers but this is not the raison d'être of the D&B - it is a drinking establishment. This is the type of place where if you walk away with a beer that has too much head, you will be summoned back by the landlord for a top-up - and the ales are kept in perfect condition. It really is the definition of a back street pub and one of those places that if you were to discover it by chance you would be raving about it to whomever would listen. It's so back street that many in Deptford do not know about it, including my neighbour who has lived here for 20 years and I think more would visit if they started publicising it a bit more.

For any beer aficionados this is an essential stop on the London pub circuit. One of my 'Inns of Distinction'

Updating my review in July 2022….

I’ve waited a while to update this review because I keep wanting to give the benefit of doubt after a few years visiting post Charlie and Eileen. Originally I gave 5 stars. But I can’t keep quiet. How the mighty has fallen. Yes, of course, pubs are businesses and need to bring in money. This was the Dog & Bell’s failing due to locals moving out of the area but there are limitations to changes. There are definitely improvements but they don’t affect the whole offer and are outweighed by the downside. The pub is now catering for hipsters in the area which is good business practice but not good for those sane of mind. Like dogs, tatoos and random screaming? Ale selections are not as good as they used to be and on one occasion an ale was well off, pure vinegar. Under Charlie and Eileen, the thought of this happening would be abhorrent to them…but they didn’t even take it off the menu. Prices were always kept reasonable but now over £5/pint. The staff are now just casual workers who have contempt for customers turning the pub into a supermarket. This is still a pub to visit but it’s not what it once was, which was the greatest locals’...

The Dog and Bell is a fine example of the typical English Pub one finds dotting London. Tucked away in a quiet street in Deptford, quite close to the riverfront, you may not come across this gem unless you go looking for it. What differentiates The Dog and Bell from other pubs is the atmosphere. Invariably, you can hear the place before you actually chance upon it. It is always one noisy riot that goes on well into the night. We dropped in one late evening attracted by the sounds and the overflowing sense of fun and we were not disappointed. The place was packed as usual and it was difficult to find seating. However, the courteous and friendly Maitre d' pulled us into the warmth of the place with his jolly greeting offering us a choice of places to sit. We found ourselves amidst friendly people who did not hesitate to talk to us even though we were strangers. The pub itself is beautiful with flowers everywhere. There is indoor and outdoor seating. The menu offers typical English fare with a few exceptions like Thai Green Curry and Hariyali Lentil Daal. To drink, we had the Caipirihna, which is supposed to be Brazil's national drink. It's a cocktail made of Cachaça rum, fresh lime, sugar and soda water and was quite refreshing. And of course, we also had lots of beer. We were there for dinner and here's what we ate - Buffalo Wings and Th Ploughman's Platter which consisted of roasted ham, pickled eggs, apple slices, mature cheddar, Cashel blue cheese with a baguette and an assortment of pickles. It tasted alright but the blue cheese quite defeated my Indian palate. On the whole it was a warm and homely experience with a friendly atmosphere 'specially on a cold,...

The Dog & Bell — A Pint-Sized Time Capsule in Deptford

Tucked away on Prince Street, just off the Thames Path, The Dog & Bell feels like a pub that time forgot—in the best possible way. It’s a place where the ale flows steady, the conversation is unhurried, and the walls whisper stories of decades past.

Atmosphere This isn’t a pub chasing trends. It’s a sanctuary of wood-panelled charm, vintage signage, and quiet corners. The lighting is soft, the music minimal, and the mood contemplative. Locals gather here not for spectacle, but for solace. It’s the kind of place where you can read a book, sketch a thought, or simply sit and listen to the hum of Deptford.

Drinks The beer selection is lovingly curated—real ales, rotating casks, and a few surprises for those who ask. It’s CAMRA-approved, and it shows. No flashy cocktails, no gimmicks—just honest pours and proper pints.

Food The menu is modest, sometimes absent, depending on the day. When available, expect classic pub fare: pies, chips, maybe a curry night. But food isn’t the main draw—it’s the soul of the place that feeds you.

Service Staff are quietly attentive, with a dry wit and a deep respect for regulars. There’s no rush, no upsell—just a nod, a pour, and a shared understanding that this is a place for people who appreciate...