Great Exhibition

Great Exhibition

pub
traditional
sunday-roast
outdoor-seating
family-friendly
LocalsTourists
4.5Google (704 reviews)

Casual pub named after the 1851 exhibition, with wood/mosaic interior and regular music sessions.

Price range:

About

In the heart of London's East Dulwich, the Great Exhibition pub stands as a testament to Victorian optimism reimagined for modern sensibilities. Sunlight streams through tall windows, casting long shadows across wooden floors that have witnessed countless conversations, celebrations, and quiet afternoon pints. The name itself evokes the grandeur of 1851's Crystal Palace exposition, though here the spectacle is more intimate, more personal.

Step inside and you'll find yourself wrapped in an atmosphere that manages to be both vibrant and serene. The Great Exhibition's interior unfolds like a well-loved novel, each room a new chapter in the story. Original architectural features dance with contemporary touches – exposed brick walls share space with modern art, while vintage light fixtures cast a warm glow that makes everyone look like they're starring in their own London narrative.

The pub's social geography flows naturally from the bustling main bar through to quieter nooks and crannies, each space holding its own particular charm. In the conservatory, plantlife thrives alongside laughter, creating a year-round garden room where summer feels eternal. Here, families gather for Sunday roasts, the children's excited chatter mixing with the clink of glasses and the gentle hum of contentment. The front garden, a sought-after spot on London's warmer days, offers a spacious retreat where conversations bloom as freely as the carefully tended flowers.

The menu at the Great Exhibition speaks of a kitchen that understands the delicate balance between pub classics and contemporary cuisine. Their Sunday roast has become something of a local legend, particularly the pork, which arrives at your table achieving that elusive perfect harmony between succulent meat and crackling crown. Portion sizes are generous without being overwhelming, each plate a canvas where traditional British fare is elevated through careful attention to detail and quality ingredients.

During the week, the pub's culinary offerings maintain their high standards while adapting to varied appetites. Vegetarian options aren't mere afterthoughts but thoughtfully crafted dishes that could tempt even the most dedicated carnivore. The children's menu demonstrates the same care, offering proper food sized for smaller appetites rather than the usual parade of nuggets and chips.

The bar selection mirrors the kitchen's philosophy of quality and variety. Local craft beers share space with carefully chosen wines, while the cocktail menu offers both classics and creative concoctions. The staff, knowledgeable and genuine in their enthusiasm, are happy to guide you through the options or leave you to your own explorations.

As evening descends, the Great Exhibition transforms again. Live music occasionally fills the space with rhythm and melody, while the warm lighting creates an atmosphere that encourages you to linger over one more drink. Groups gather at long tables, solo readers find comfort in corners, and couples lean in close, all finding their place within these welcoming walls.

The pub's approach to hospitality extends beyond mere service – it's evident in the small details: the dog water bowls by the door, the high chairs readily available for young families, the easy mix of payment options that never make technology a barrier to enjoyment. The staff move through the space with a natural grace, attending to needs both spoken and unspoken.

Here in East Dulwich, the Great Exhibition has become more than just another London pub – it's a community cornerstone where life's small victories are celebrated and its challenges soothed. Whether you're planning a special gathering in the conservatory or simply seeking a peaceful pint after a Dulwich Hamlet match, you'll find yourself welcomed into a space that honors its Victorian namesake's spirit of gathering people together while creating something thoroughly, wonderfully contemporary.

Come join the ongoing exhibition of London life at its most convivial. There's always room for one more story within these walls.

Contact Information

Address

193 Crystal Palace Rd, London SE22 9EP, UK

London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (the)

Opening Hours

Sunday: 12 PM - 10 PM
Monday: 12 PM - 11 PM
Tuesday: 12 PM - 11 PM
Wednesday: 12 PM - 11 PM
Thursday: 12 PM - 12 AM
Friday: 12 PM - 12 AM
Saturday: 11 AM - 12 AM

Amenities

Dine in
Takeout
Restroom
Live music
Reservable
Allows dogs
Serves beer
Serves wine
Serves lunch
Serves coffee
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Good for groups
Outdoor seating
Serves cocktails
Good for children
Menu for children
Serves vegetarian food

Photos (10)

Great Exhibition main photo
Main
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