New bar for Sydenham?

Whiftoff · Post by **Whiftoff** » 30 Oct 2009 12:20

Granted Palace isn't great, but its got a lot more on offer then Sydenham and if easy to get to. My preference south of the river would probably be Clapham or Balham where I use to live, but its at least 15 quid back in a cab. I occasionally go out in East Dulwich. Suppose it depends where most of your friends are situated!

Ulysses · Post by **Ulysses** » 30 Oct 2009 12:36

Oh, I agree Whiftoff. I would say that we easily have the best place that either place can boast in the Dolphin but beyond that it's a probably that Numidie place...then maybe the White Hart and the Puzzle Bar [assuming they're still open or called those names]. I wouldn't dare try and suggest that hovels like the Prince Alfred, the Railway Tavern (Sydenham one) or Two Half's should be entered other than by those who Danny Dyer would describe as a "pwoper naughty geezah"

Has anyone tried the Dulwich Wood House on a weekend evening? I go there a fair bit, especially during the Summer or weekend daytime but it doesn't seem to rate a mention as an alternative to the usual suspects in either Sydders or CP for a night out.

simon · Post by **simon** » 30 Oct 2009 13:38

I've always been made to feel welcome at that "hovel" the Prince Alfred, in fact won a quizz there one night. Seems to be used by a broad spectrum of the local community and although I have a London accent, I don't think anyone would describe me as a "pwoper naughty geezah". Is a good local pub in my opinion.

Whiftoff · Post by **Whiftoff** » 30 Oct 2009 14:05

Went in the Railway with a mate who was down for the night about 18 months ago. He thought it was the best pub he'd been to in ages, purely because you could still smoke inside!

Never ventured into the Prince Alfred, might check it out now.

Willy · Post by **Willy** » 30 Oct 2009 14:27

I've been to all the pubs on Sydenahm road in the interests of research and can honestly say the Two Half's is up there in the worst pub in Britain category just because it has no redeeming qualities at all. At least the Railway has some atmosphere and some characters

Trawlerman · Post by **Trawlerman** » 30 Oct 2009 15:49

Prince Alfred ...not so bad.

Could do with some proper beer on tap, though.
Fell asleep in there once reading. Still in one piece + lager still there + bag
etc. Pretty good, eh?

sophie · Post by **sophie** » 31 Oct 2009 14:24

Re the 2 halfs pub I think it is hard to manufacture atmosphere. When I moved to Sydenham it was a furniture shop. When it became Pukka Bar (anyone remember that?) it was fab but for whatever reason they couldn't maintain the restaurant and the bar part. Shame as it was such good food. Now it is just a pub it is dire and has been dire for as long as I remember it just being the pub. I wonder why it never really took off as a nice place to hang out.

simon · Post by **simon** » 31 Oct 2009 15:38

Yes Sophie, remember Puka Bar well. It was established by one of the guys behind St John in Clerkenwell and got race reviews in the Standard and national press. They spent a fortune on the refurb and the food was excellent and reasonably priced. However, in those days there just wasn't the local market to make it viable and people wouldn't come from outside the area. Was a shame and I should imagine would have put off similar investment. Perhaps something similar would succeed today.

Eagle · Post by **Eagle** » 31 Oct 2009 16:08

Hate to go over old ground but a terrible place for a pub and does not look the remotest inviting.
Due to mainly the street drinkers a pub there will nevet attract the clientelle it needs to survive

Trawlerman · Post by **Trawlerman** » 31 Oct 2009 19:47

I think a decent shoe shop would be far more useful than a 'bar' or another pub or even another 'shoe bar' ??

biscuitman1978 · Post by **biscuitman1978** » 10 Apr 2010 14:01

This site is up for auction again later this month:

http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for ... 3C1CB84862

For full details go to http://www.a-r.co.uk/CatalogueOnline.aspx and click on lot no 51.

leenewham · Post by **leenewham** » 10 Apr 2010 22:27

it's a shame Jam Circus didnt progress as the plans looked genuinely exciting:

Hopefully whoever buys it creates a genuinely interesting piece of architecture in it's place rather than same half ars*d 'make it blend in' bit of red brick boredom like a lot of buildings built since 1980.

Speaking to some restaurant owners in Sydenham, they think (and I have to agree) we need about another 5 decent places to eat out to bring people her and make it a destination as currently, as shown by the questionaires on Virtual Norwood and here, unless you live around the corner, most people don't come to Sydenham to shop or eat.

I hope someone buys this plot and creates something special because the area needs it. Badly.

scarpetta · Post by **scarpetta** » 1 May 2010 17:00

Didn't sell. Looks like there will be another auction 10th June. Fingers crossed! This site desperately needs to be developed!

love-sydenham · Post by **love-sydenham** » 18 May 2010 20:03

Oh What a shame.....

Plans did look very nice, really hope something good will happen there!!!

Sydenham Town Forum

The Community Voice for London SE26 since 2004

New bar for Sydenham?