Exploring Deptford’s Pubs

When it comes to pubs, Deptford is something of a hidden gem. While most on the hunt for a drink in and around the capital will head to the likes of the West End, Brixton or Camden, one area that shouldn’t be overlooked is Deptford. Deptford has a fantastic creative scene, which is reflected in its nightlife – pubs included.

Deptford has a range of fantastic pubs and bars, from old-fashioned boozers to trendy cocktail hotspots – there are also plenty that serve up a selection of cuisines so you can line your stomach in style.

So, here’s a list of our favourite Deptford pubs so you can plan your perfect night (or day…) out accordingly.

What are the best pubs in Deptford?

From quiet and cosy inns to loud and bustling bars, Deptford has plenty of choices when it comes to enjoying a drink and a bite to eat. Check out our shouts for the best pubs in Deptford.

The Dog & Bell

The Dog & Bell might be tucked away down Prince Street, but you really can’t miss it thanks to its bright red exterior. It even fills the road with tables, chairs and parasols to provide a great place to enjoy a drink or five on a nice summer’s day.

Inside, the pub is adorned with lights around the windows and over the bar to create a lovely and welcoming atmosphere. When it’s nippy, you could enjoy a brandy or hot chocolate in front of the fire.

There’s a great selection of craft ales and guest ales on rotation. If you’re in the mood for something different, you could enjoy the weekly folk night or the annual pickle festival. There’s also a good old-fashioned pub quiz every Sunday if you fancy pitting yourself against Deptford’s best and brightest.

If you want a bite to eat, they have a breakfast, lunch and dinner menu, and serve up classic roasts on Sunday. For a quintessential British boozer, you can’t go wrong with The Dog & Bell.

The Watergate

For a spot that’s sleek, modern and contemporary, you have to check out The Watergate. It opened right before lockdown, which for any other business would have been a death warrant – but The Watergate not only survived, but thrived, which is a testament to just how great the food, drinks and service truly are.

There’s a lovely selection of cocktails, including old and new favourites, with every addition to the menu having been carefully considered. If you fancy a bite to eat, the menu is small but packed with interesting and exciting flavours, like the ox cheek which is accompanied by pickled walnuts, and the incredibly moreish cornbread French toast.

The Watergate is a modern and inviting space and should definitely be included on your list of places to check out in Deptford.

The Duke

The Duke is a good old pub in the heart of Deptford, which looks fairly unassuming on the outside, but on the inside, it serves a selection of beers, wines, ciders and cocktails that are used to wash down what The Duke is truly famous for – pizza.

Don’t expect an enormous food menu, with just a dozen or so pizzas (five of which are vegan-friendly), but what they do serve up thanks to the wood oven is superb. ‘Nduja, pepperoni, shrooms, mozzarella… even just writing about it is making our mouths water.

To mix things up, you could head down to The Duke for comedy night, pizza and pint night, jazz night, DJ night or one of the other regular events it holds. If you’re looking for somewhere to grab a drink, a bite to eat and have a fantastic night with pals, then look no further than The Duke.

Jam Circus

Jam Circus was once named The Job Centre, on account of the pub once being home to an actual job centre. As a result, it has a retro aesthetic but still manages to have a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

The drinks menu isn’t huge, with draught beers and ales and a specialty cocktail menu, but where it really shines is in the food. Including small plates, juicy burgers and a brilliant Sunday roast menu, you definitely won’t go hungry or thirsty at Jam Circus.

SALT Deptford

If you thought The Duke did cracking pizza, SALT is right there alongside it. Specialising in craft beers and wood-fired pizzas, SALT is a treat for the taste buds in a rustic but bustling setting.

The menu is pretty no-nonsense, with a dozen pizzas to choose from and a handful of sides. But don’t let that put you off - everything on the menu is to die for. And the craft beer selection is something else, including award winners and regular guest ales. You really will struggle to pick a favourite because they’re all so good.

Bluethroat Deptford

With a low-key speakeasy vibe, Bluethroat Bar is nestled under Deptford station, which makes it the perfect place to pop in after a day at the office. It has a smart and modern interior with different colours that pop to create a unique vibe. With a selection of classic and signature cocktails, and more spirits than you could ever hope to make your way through, you’re completely spoilt for choice.

Little Nan’s Bar

For a spot that’s absolutely bursting with quirkiness and charm, Little Nan’s Bar is a cocktail bar that has a huge selection of cocktails – more than 90, in fact. From long-standing classics to new, themed creations, you can have a lot of fun making your way through the menu. There’s also plenty of food to get your mouth around, including sarnies, disco fries and a chicken surprise. What’s the surprise? You’ll have to head to Little Nan’s to find out.

It’s impossible not to get in the mood at Little Nan’s Bar. The decor is loud and proud, and leans heavily into its Pat Butcher-inspired aesthetic. It also serves afternoon tea and bottomless brunch, so you can spend an entire day here and never run out of something new to try.

Rent in Deptford with UNCLE

As you can see, Deptford’s pubs are as diverse and unique as the people in this fantastic up-and-coming area of south London. Here at UNCLE, we offer fully-serviced flats at our brand-new Deptford property. Join the waitlist now to receive updates on this fabulous new development.