The Pavilion in London: photos, reviews

About

The Pavilion in London offers a lively escape for those seeking a night of fun without breaking the bank. Established around 1891, this traditionally decorated two-bar pub charms its guests with an inviting and cozy atmosphere, making it the perfect spot to meet up with friends. Known for its friendly, welcoming staff, The Pavilion serves a variety of affordable beers, including its specialty stout, particularly Guinness. With live music and performances, the pub buzzes with energy while popular events like karaoke nights, and games of pool or darts keep the night entertaining. Equally popular with locals and tourists, it's also a top choice for watching sports, all accompanied by the service of beer, wine, and spirits at a reasonable price. A visit to The Pavilion ensures a quintessentially delightful British pub experience.

Price

$$$$ 10 - 20 GBP

Offering

Serving alcohol, Serving beer, Serving wine

Payment

Payment by credit card, Payment by debit card, NFC payment

Atmosphere

Casual, Cozy

Best for

Meet up with friends

How to get here?

The nearest public transport options for your convenience.

Penge East

Train station 828 m walk

Penge East Station (Stop Q)

Bus stop 755 m walk

St Christophers Hospice (Stop L)

Bus stop 441 m walk

Sydenham High School (Stop W)

Bus stop 489 m walk

4.4

based on 262 reviews

Google

4.4/5 262 reviews

London Pub Map

Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

🚇 Sydenham 🍺 £5.20 Cruzcampo The Pavilion is located on busy Kirkdale in Sydenham, Southeast London. The nearest station is Sydenham which is literally right next door. This pub was originally a Taylor Walker house known as the Railway Tavern and dates back to around 1891. In 2013, Star Pubs bought it and changed the name to The Pavilion, a nod to cricket. This is a traditionally decorated two-bar pub — a rare find these days, as most have been knocked through into one. The Saloon Bar is at the front, laid out in an L-shape around the servery. Green walls, black-and-white prints, intimate banquette booths and a proper pub carpet give it a cosy feel. There were also a few screens showing the Lions rugby. A passageway leads through to the Public Bar at the back, which has a pool table, dartboard, jukebox and a couple of fruities. The decor here is mushroom-coloured walls, a half-carpeted floor, traditional seating and a decent-sized servery. The beer line-up was a straight-up, no-nonsense selection of familiar keg beers. I went for a Cruzcampo — my pint hit the spot and cost just over a fiver. After I’d ordered, someone was raving about the Guinness, which I’ll definitely try next time. There’s no food served here, but there are plenty of bar snacks if you’re peckish. I arrived just after 12 pm on an overcast, humid Saturday lunchtime in July. There were about half a dozen punters in, and the atmosphere was welcoming and relaxed. I’d arranged to meet @jmarkdodds to discuss the future of London’s pubs — we had a great chat, which we carried on to another pub. The service here was brilliant; I had a brief chat with the landlady, who was witty and funny. Visiting The Pavilion was a superb experience. I loved that the two separate bars had been maintained and that it had an old-school, proper pub feel. The beer was good, sensibly priced, and the team working here were great. If you ever find yourself in this neck of the woods, be sure to pay a visit — I loved it. 📅 26th July 2025 If you want to see all my pub reviews in one place, head to @londonpubmap on Instagram or Facebook. 🍻

Neil Walsh

Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Forget your fancy gastropubs, The Pav isn't just a boozer, it's practically a civic monument in Sydenham. Karaoke night? Pure, unadulterated chaos, the kind that drags every stripe of south London lad (and lass, naturally) into its orbit. It's a proper melting pot, a glorious racket you'd be a fool to skip. And the best bit? Forget forking out a tenner for a black stuff, they're still slinging the creamy goodness for less than a sixer. Run by decent folk, The Pav's a proper pub, a dying breed. And if you're lucky, the seafood guy might pop in just when you need it. Get yourself down there before it's just another memory.

Cormac Hall

Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

One of my favourite boozers in London. It's a cracking local. Great staff, shite selection of drink but best Guinness in London and only £5.50 a pint. Come for the craic and the people. Great for watching sports and there is a pool table and darts in the back bar. Dj Jason on Saturdays is savage