Deptford | historywalksblog

The Dog and Bell ‘Beer Paradise’

116 Prince Street, London SE8 3JD Tel: 020 8692 5664

Quoted in 1066 Harold’s Way as a ‘beer paradise’, five years later it does not disappoint.

Repainted a striking and vivid red, that heralded a change in licensee in November 2016, I would suggest that this hidden gem has improved still further with a new youthful energy and the charm of Ellie the licensee.

Wooden floors, polished bar and a new terrace at the back adorned heavy wooden benches and tables that will stand the test of many sessions.

On offer on this quiet warm Monday were: Stamps Brewery Blonde Momment @3.6%, Magpie Gold@4.4%, Black Jack Poker Face @4.2%, London Pride and a Broadoak cider, Pheasant Plucker@ 4.5% that was slightly sweet to taste.

There is food too.

The only caution is that there is still a mile or so to walk to Greenwich and further still to the station but in its favour it is a chance for a proper pint and good service before overcrowded Greenwich.

The Dog and Bell still retains it epithet as a beer paradise.

Distance from path: On 1066 Harold’s Way
Food: Yes
Accommodation: No
www.thedogandbell.com

The Dog and Bell was visited in August 2017 when the sun shone on me whilst updating 1066 Harold’s Way on the walk from Westminster Abbey to Greenwich. A revised 1066 Harold’s Way should be ready for publication in 2018.

www.1066haroldsway.co.uk

A taster for 1066 Harold’s Way, from the start of the walk, Walk 1 at Westminster Abbey to the finish at Greenwich and a photo album to share the sights of walks to come or reflect on memories at the start of 1066 Harold’s Way.

It is early October in London. Imagine the noise, the smells, the people and the army. Was it wet or was it dry, sunny or cloudy or was an autumnal chill rising from the nearby river? Imagine King Harold, flushed with success from victory in September at Stamford Bridge and ready to face a new challenge against Duke William of Normandy. Harold’s army had already marched over 600 miles, to York and back, and Harold now needed to take his weary troops south to fight yet another battle to save Saxon England – the Battle of Hastings, 14^th October 1066.

I love the smell of London and the sights and sounds of a fresh new morning and I still feel a guilt that I should really be at work. The luxury of a coffee and a Danish at a pavement cafe and whilst others rush, I can think about the day ahead and the miles to walk to Greenwich and on to Battle. It will be a pilgrimage rather than a race, unlike Harold.

First London Bridge, then below Tower Bridge there are the remnants of the once great London Docks that stretched for miles along both sides of the river, St Katherine’s Dock, Limehouse Basin, Russia Dock, Greenland Dock and dominating the skyline – Canary Wharf. Now there are flats, development and re-development.

History is still preserved in The City, Rotherhithe, Deptford and Greenwich. Queenhithe was London’s dock even before William built the Tower and was there when Harold passed on his way. Across the river is Execution Dock where pirates, thieves and mutineers were hanged and the opium dens of the old Chinatown. There are famous pubs to while away the hours and wharves that launched the ships of Captain Cook, the Pilgrim Fathers, Nelson and Drake. Recreate the scenes painted by Turner and Canaletto and take time to stand and stare at a London of a different age.