The Ivy House

In the heart of Southeast London, The Ivy House stands as a testament to what happens when a community refuses to let go of something special. This isn't just another London pub – it's the UK's first community-owned watering hole, and the moment you step through its carefully preserved 1930s entrance, you'll understand why locals fought so hard to keep it alive.

The story of The Ivy House in London reads like a feel-good indie film script. Originally known as The Newlands Tavern when it first opened its doors in 1865, these walls have witnessed more cultural history than most West End theaters. In the gritty 1970s, while punk was reshaping Britain's musical landscape, legends like Ian Dury, Elvis Costello, and Joe Strummer graced its stage – probably spilling as many pints as they played songs. More recently, it even had its Hollywood moment, starring as the Double R Club in the Kray twins biopic 'Legend'.

Walking into The Ivy House today feels like stepping into a perfectly preserved time capsule, but one that's very much alive and kicking. The original features are everywhere – from the brown and white chequered spittoon trough (don't worry, it's purely decorative now) to the Jacobethan-style "Refreshment Room" that sounds like it belongs in a period drama. But rather than feeling like a museum, these historical touches serve as the perfect backdrop for the vibrant community hub it's become.

Let's talk about what really matters in a pub – the drinks. The beer selection at The Ivy House would make any hop enthusiast weak at the knees. Four rotating cask ales keep things interesting for traditionalists, while craft options and local brews ensure there's something for the modern palate. At around £5-6 for a pint, it's refreshingly reasonable for London, especially considering the quality. The wine list is carefully curated, and if you're in the mood for spirits, the bar staff know their stuff without any of that mixology pretension you might find in trendier spots.

The pub's multiple rooms each have their own personality. The main bar area welcomes you like an old friend, while the performance hall – complete with its original stage – still hosts live music that would make its punk rock predecessors proud. On warm days, the courtyard beer garden becomes its own micro-community, where dogs doze under tables while their owners debate everything from politics to last night's match.

What sets The Ivy House apart isn't just its history or its drinks – it's the palpable sense of belonging that hits you almost as soon as you cross the threshold. The regulars here aren't the intimidating sort you might find in other local pubs; they're more likely to recommend their favorite ale or share stories about the venue's storied past. The staff, many of whom are part of the cooperative that owns the place, treat everyone like potential members of the family.

For first-timers, here's a pro tip: visit on a Sunday when the roasts are legendary and reasonably priced, or check their events calendar for live music nights that still capture some of that raw energy from its punk days. The pizza menu offers nine different options that pair perfectly with their beer selection, and at £9.50 for a Margherita, you won't feel like you're paying central London prices.

Getting to The Ivy House is straightforward enough – Nunhead station is your closest bet – but it feels like you're discovering a secret as you walk down the residential street where it sits. It's the kind of place that makes you want to move to the neighborhood, just so you can call it your local.

Whether you're a history buff, a music lover, or simply someone who appreciates a proper pub that hasn't sold its soul to a chain, The Ivy House in London deserves your attention. Pop in for a pint, stay for the atmosphere, and you might just find yourself becoming part of its ongoing story. After all, that's exactly what happened to the community members who loved it so much, they bought it.