The Prince of Wales, The best kept secret?

I’ve always felt that Kennington is a little secret that South London keeps to its self. South London has a fair amount to offer on the decent drinking front; much more than it is given credit for anyway. When it comes to night life many are drawn to the bright lights of Soho, Shoreditch, Dalston and so on. 

The Prince of Wales Pub sits in the corner of a residential square surrounded by Georgian Houses. So you wouldnt be blamed if you missed it as you passed through the area.  Although I think this is a part of its charm, it is close to the tube station, but away from the fumes and minicabs of Kennington Park Road.

However, please don’t turn up expecting a deserted, old ,closing down delapidated pub. Its lively, exciting but mellow. Its the type of place you would go if you want to be able to socialise with friends. The music is purely background noise but does surprise customers as ‘hits’ you had forgotten about pop up on the playlist. I dropped in around 9pm on a Thursday, and managed to secure one of the last free tables. A wooden floor, carefully selected  pictures on the walls and a ‘pleasing lack of overflowing ashtrays’ combined create the pleasant atmosphere leaving you wanting to return and be on a first name basis with the bar staff.

Unlike the majority of London pubs, who count serving quality beer fairly low down on their list of priorities, the Prince of Wales has a decent selection of Shepherd Neame’s finest ales. In addition to this they serve a Japanese dry larger called Ashai a drink I’d never heard of but will never forget.

Boasting a beer garden at the front and the back its just a shame I attended mid november where your pint will become an Ice cude if you are a slow smoker. High marks for this one, I’ll be returning soon.

Location - 48 Cleaver Square,Kennington,London,SE11 4EA

Tube – Kennington

Bus – 133, 333, 415, 155