29/12/23 - a visitor has reported the folloiwng, "No cask beer - Fullers Pride and GK IPA both run out."
Cask beer has now been reinstated after the problems caused during lockdowns etc. All three handpumps now in use, although a visitor in Jan 2023 only found Pride available.
1848 grade II listed pub. The striking exterior, with its elaborate decoration obscured by extensive foliage, forms an immediate impression upon approaching this pub. Inside is a fascinating collection of bric-a-brac, ranging from copper kettles to musical instruments and even a diving helmet. There are also brewery mirrors, a large collection of portraits and pictures, including a good watercolour landscape, and two notable clocks.
Leased by East London "brewers" Brodie's, who used to brew their beer in the capital but are currently (as of Feb 2019) having their beers brewed elsewhere at Rhymney brewery in Blaenavon, Torfaen, Wales. . When busy (which is often) drinkers can spill out onto the pavement in front of the pub.
Historic Interest
Grade II listing:- Public house. 1848-49. Painted brick with guilloche sill band at 3rd floor level. 4 storeys and basement. 2 windows. Elaborate ground floor facade of 3 bays with arcaded treatment. Above, a centre piece with flanking scrolls and swags with putti in relief holding crossed keys. Recessed casement windows in enriched stucco architraves, the first floor with console-bracketed dentil cornices, the 2nd cambered arches with keystones, the 3rd round-headed with keystones. Parapet. INTERIOR: bar has original dado, panelling, ceiling and most bar fittings.
Small narrow pub that was clearly sub-divided in the past with doors on the front right and two doors from the left hand vestibule entrance – possibly a private bar and off sales lost?. Along the right-hand side wall is a Victorian bar back fitting of four bays, carved wood to the left and right of each of the higher section of mirrors. Between each bay there is a narrow mirrored panel, with four more along the top of each bay. Note the illuminated addition from the 1960s with the wording “Watney’s Ales” and “Cross Keys”. The canted bar counter has what appears to be a 1970s frontage but this has been added to the original counter. Fine large Truman’s mirror at front right.
Small narrow pub that was clearly sub-divided in the past with doors on the front right and two doors from the left hand vestibule entrance – possibly a private bar and off sales lost?. Along the right-hand side wall is a Victorian bar back fitting of four bays, carved wood to the left and right of each of the higher section of mirrors. Between each bay there is a narrow mirrored panel, with four more along the top of each bay. Note the illuminated addition from the 1960s with the wording “Watney’s Ales” and “Cross Keys”. The canted bar counter has what appears to be a 1970s frontage but this has been added to the original counter. Fine large Truman’s mirror at front right.
Cross Keys, London