Skehans

Skehans in London's Nunhead district stands as a testament to how a neighborhood pub can transcend its role as merely a place to drink, evolving into a vital community touchstone that bridges past and present. This Victorian corner establishment, which began life as The Duke of Albany in 1895, has been reimagined as an Irish pub that manages to feel both authentically traditional and perfectly attuned to contemporary Southeast London life.

The pub's transformation into Skehans over the past decade reflects broader changes in London's pub culture, where successful establishments must balance heritage with innovation. In a city where roughly 400 pubs closed between 2020 and 2023, Skehans has flourished by understanding that a pub's value extends beyond its beer selection to its role as a community anchor. The building's impressive Victorian architecture, with its ornate stonework and detailed cornicing, serves as a physical link to Nunhead's past, while the current iteration as an Irish pub adds another layer to London's rich history of Irish cultural influence.

Inside, the high-ceilinged, L-shaped space reveals thoughtful preservation of original features alongside contemporary touches. The solid wood counter, surrounded by green velour-topped stools, creates an informal barrier between servers and patrons that encourages the kind of casual conversation essential to pub culture. Unique ceiling fans and carefully curated bric-a-brac adorning the shelves beside an ornate fireplace speak to an attention to detail that makes the space feel curated rather than cluttered. These elements combine to create an atmosphere that's both historically authentic and comfortably current.

What sets Skehans apart in London's competitive pub landscape is its commitment to accessible pricing without compromising quality. The Guinness - a benchmark for any Irish pub - is served at prices that respect the local community's means, while the addition of a Thai food menu reflects London's evolving culinary landscape and the modern pub's need to offer more than just drinks. This fusion of traditional Irish pub culture with Thai cuisine might seem unconventional, but it perfectly encapsulates contemporary London's ability to embrace seemingly disparate cultural influences.

The pub's entertainment program, featuring live music six nights a week including traditional Irish sessions, transforms it from a casual drinking spot into a cultural venue. These regular performances, combined with the pool table and tiered beer garden, create multiple ways for patrons to engage with the space and each other. The garden, in particular, provides a vital outdoor space that has become increasingly important to London pub culture, especially in residential areas like Nunhead.

Skehans' location near Nunhead station places it at the heart of a neighborhood that exemplifies London's ongoing evolution. The pub attracts a diverse clientele that includes students, longtime locals, and young professionals, creating an environment where different segments of London society naturally intermingle. This demographic mix is increasingly rare in London's pub landscape, where venues often cater to specific social groups.

The service style reflects a thoughtful approach to hospitality that balances efficiency with warmth. Staff members maintain the traditional publican's role as community figures while adapting to modern expectations around service standards. The option to pay by card (with a £10 minimum) alongside cash acceptance demonstrates an understanding of contemporary consumer preferences while maintaining traditional flexibility.

As London continues to grapple with questions of preservation versus progress, Skehans offers a compelling model of how traditional pub culture can adapt without losing its essential character. Whether you're seeking a proper pint of Guinness, live music, a Thai meal, or simply a space to connect with your community, Skehans provides a welcoming environment that honors its Victorian origins while embracing its contemporary role. In visiting Skehans, you're not just having a drink - you're participating in the ongoing story of how London's pubs evolve to remain relevant while preserving the cultural heritage that makes them special.