The General Napier

Hidden away on a quiet residential street in Forest Hill, The General Napier in London is what happens when Victorian charm meets modern pub culture in the most delightful way possible. Built in 1871 and named after a particularly ambitious British Army chap, this London gem has been turning heads since its 2022 renovation transformed it from just another neighborhood pub into something that feels like your coolest friend's living room – if your friend happened to have impeccable taste in beer and an obsession with vintage memorabilia.

Let's be honest – finding a proper local in London these days can feel about as likely as spotting the Queen on the tube. But The General Napier breaks the mold with a warmth that hits you the moment you cross the threshold. The walls are a visual feast of film posters, music memorabilia, and beer history that'll have you pointing and saying "Oh, remember that?" every few minutes. It's like someone took all the best bits of London pub culture and arranged them with the careful precision of a museum curator who's had exactly two and a half pints.

The bar itself is a thing of beauty – a solid wood counter that's witnessed more stories than a London cab driver, complete with decorative panels that wouldn't look out of place in a Victorian gentleman's club. But don't let the historical gravitas fool you; this place knows how to let its hair down. Between the dartboard that's seen countless friendly competitions and the large screens that transform into sports-watching havens during match days, there's always something happening to keep the energy flowing.

Step into the beer garden out back, and you'll discover what might be London's coziest outdoor drinking spot. There's a little snug that feels like it was designed specifically for those "just one more" conversations that stretch into evening. The front of the pub offers a few choice benches too, perfect for people-watching while sipping your pint of Madri (which, by the way, is pulled with the kind of care usually reserved for fine wine).

Speaking of drinks, the selection here is enough to make any beer enthusiast weak at the knees. From carefully curated cask ales to premium lagers, and even a thoughtful selection of no and low-alcohol options, there's something for every palate. But it's the food that's really got locals buzzing – particularly the Sunday roasts that have achieved near-mythical status in the area. At £16 a plate, these roasts aren't just meals; they're weekend events that demand to be experienced.

The small plates menu deserves its own paragraph of praise. Think chicken wings that could make a food critic weep, pork belly bites that dissolve on the tongue, and chilli beef loaded fries that should probably be illegal in at least three countries. Most plates hover around the £7 mark, making it dangerously easy to sample your way through the menu.

What really sets The General Napier apart, though, is its soul. This isn't just another London pub trying to be all things to all people. Whether you're dropping in for karaoke night (which gets surprisingly competitive), joining the regular bingo sessions, or catching live music that makes the vintage posters on the walls feel alive, there's an authentic community vibe that can't be manufactured.

The locals who prop up the bar aren't just customers; they're part of the furniture, ready with a friendly nod or a chat about the football if you're so inclined. The staff, including the owners who took over in 2022, treat everyone like they're regulars, even if it's your first visit. It's the kind of place where "just popping in for one" turns into an afternoon of swapping stories with strangers who feel like old friends.

A ten-minute stroll from Honor Oak Park station, The General Napier isn't just worth finding – it's worth making your new regular. Whether you're a local looking for your next home-away-from-home or a London explorer seeking authentic pub culture, this is where you want to be. Trust me, make the pilgrimage. Order a pint, grab a spot by the bar, and watch as one of London's finest hidden gems works its magic. Just don't blame me when you find yourself becoming one of the regulars – it happens to the best of us.