A new book uncovers the stories of pubs that have vanished from London’s vibrant scene

London: Once upon a time, pubs were the heart of the community. Sadly, many have closed their doors, leaving only memories behind. Last year, over 400 pubs shut down across the UK, with London taking the biggest hit.
Out of those closures, 55 were in London alone. But don’t worry, there are still around 3,470 pubs keeping the spirit alive in the city.
There’s a new book out called London’s Lost Pubs by Sam Cullen. It dives into the history of more than 200 pubs that have disappeared over the years.
Cullen has done his homework, using old reviews and pub guides from the 1920s to tell their stories. He shares some of his favorite lost pubs, like the Zeitgeist in Lambeth and the Sun and Dove in Camberwell.
He says, “It’s sad these pubs are gone, but I wanted to make sure their stories live on.” He believes pubs are a window into social and cultural history.
His book focuses on pubs that closed in the last 25 years and had interesting tales to tell. London’s Lost Pubs will be available from January 31, published by Pen and Sword Books.
Let’s take a look at some memorable lost pubs from Greenwich and Bexley featured in the book.
The Barge Pole – 32 Corraline Walk, SE2 9SU This pub in Thamesmead was known for its brutalist style. Some remember it as a lively hangout in the 70s, while others recall some not-so-great events, like dog fights.
Jim Davidson might have performed there early on, but that’s just a rumor. It even appeared in the 2014 film The Guvnors before being torn down in 2018 for redevelopment.
The Director General – 55 Wellington Street, SE18 6PQ This Woolwich pub was famous for its stunning stained-glass windows. It later became a popular spot for the LGBTQ+ community.
Despite protests, it was demolished in 2008 to make way for a Tesco, which ironically won an award for being ugly.
The Montague Arms – 289 Queen’s Road, SE15 2PA This New Cross pub was known for its quirky decor, including a skeleton and a diving suit. It opened in the 1860s and hosted big names like Nick Cave.
After a revamp in 2018, it lost its charm and closed a year later. Now it sits empty, with plans for redevelopment facing pushback from locals.
Railway Tavern – Forest Road, DA8 2NU Built for rail workers, this pub had a reputation for being unfriendly. It closed in the early 2000s and was turned into apartments in 2006.
The Royal George – 2 Blissett Street, SE10 8UP This Greenwich pub, dating back to the 19th century, was known for its model ships. It closed in the early 2010s due to falling sales and was converted into flats.
The Wat Tyler – 21 Telemann Square, SE3 8YR Built in 1972, this pub started as a community hub but closed in 2000 and was demolished in 2013 during redevelopment.
The Woolwich Infant – 9 Plumstead Road, SE18 7BZ Named after a massive gun, this pub was a market staple. It briefly revived after being featured in Derelict London but eventually became a clothing shop.
The Woodman – 35 The Slade, SE18 2NB This Plumstead Common pub opened in the 1850s and was popular until it closed in 2010. Now it’s an Indian restaurant, but you can still see its pub roots in the signage.