The Prince of Greenwich Pub

Just what London needs - another quirky pub trying desperately to stand out in Greenwich. The Prince of Greenwich Pub initially struck me as yet another establishment riding the coattails of the neighborhood's tourist appeal. How wrong I was, and how irritatingly delighted I am to admit it.

Walking in, you're assaulted by what can only be described as a museum curator's fever dream after a three-day bender. The Prince of Greenwich Pub has somehow managed to turn what should be a chaotic mess into something bizarrely charming. It's as if a traditional British pub had a passionate affair with an Italian antiques dealer, and their love child decided to open a drinking establishment.

The décor alone deserves its own anthropological study. Where most London pubs settle for a few vintage beer signs and the obligatory dart board, this place looks like it raided every estate sale in Europe. Yet somehow, impossibly, it works. I hate that it works, but it does.

Let's talk about the drinks because that's presumably why you're considering The Prince of Greenwich Pub in the first place. The beer selection is surprisingly comprehensive, though I did witness one unfortunate soul looking crestfallen when their first-choice ale was unavailable. Pro tip: have a backup choice ready, especially on busy weekends. The wine list is more than decent, which makes sense given the Italian influence that permeates the place like a persistent but not unwelcome houseguest.

Speaking of Italian influence - the food. Oh, the food. I came expecting standard pub fare, prepared with the usual British enthusiasm for cuisine (read: none). Instead, I found myself faced with what can only be described as a love letter to Italian-British fusion. The portions are generous to the point of being almost American, which is either a warning or an enticement, depending on your perspective.

Live music is a regular fixture here, and unlike many London pubs where "live music" means some bloke murdering Ed Sheeran covers, The Prince of Greenwich actually manages to book decent acts. The Sunday afternoon sessions are particularly good, assuming you can find a seat. And yes, that's a genuine recommendation hidden in a complaint about seating availability.

The service manages to hit that sweet spot between attentive and overbearing, though during peak hours you might need to exercise some patience. The staff actually seem to enjoy working here, which is either a brilliant act or a sign of excellent management. I'm begrudgingly inclined to believe the latter.

Price-wise, it sits in that frustrating middle ground where you can't quite complain but also can't brag about finding a bargain. The food and drink prices are fair for London, which is to say they'll make visitors from up north wince but won't cause locals to choke on their pints.

Dog-friendly and group-friendly, it's the sort of place that somehow manages to be all things to all people without feeling like it's trying too hard. They take cards (including contactless), which is a blessed relief in this day and age, though I've seen some patrons still stubbornly paying with cash like it's 1995.

The location, nestled in Greenwich, means you'll likely be sharing space with a mix of locals, tourists who've wandered off the maritime museum trail, and students who've discovered somewhere more interesting than their university pub. It's a combination that should be awkward but instead creates an atmosphere that feels authentic rather than contrived.

Look, I didn't want to like The Prince of Greenwich Pub. I really didn't. I walked in ready to mock its obvious attempts at uniqueness, its fusion concept, its everything. But much like that friend who keeps dating someone you initially disapproved of, it's proven me wrong in the most annoying way possible. If you're in Greenwich and looking for a pub that offers more than just a place to drink, you'll find it here. Just don't tell them I sent you - I have a reputation for cynicism to maintain.