If you enjoy reading please consider “buying me a pint”, this will help to cover my hosting and image hosting and help to ensure further trips can go ahead!
BUY ME A PINT
Discover Petts Wood, Crayford, Deptford, and New Cross Pubs
One Inn the Wood, in Petts Wood, is a pioneering micropub established in 2014 that fosters a local beer movement with a simple, chat-friendly atmosphere and a rotating selection of real ales. At Penny Farthing in Crayford, guests enjoy award-winning ales in a cosy environment that highlights community interaction. Lucky Anchor in Deptford, opened in 2024, revitalises a former café into a vibrant pub with historical charm, offering a diverse drink selection. Finally, Shirker’s Rest in New Cross, opened in 2022 by blogging duo Andy Grumbridge and Vince Raison, emphasises community ties through events and creative design.
Petts Wood emerged in the 1920s as a planned garden suburb, named after the Pett family, shipbuilders for the Royal Navy. Originally woodland, it was preserved partly by the National Trust. Crayford dates back to Roman times and became a key industrial hub, known for brickmaking and armaments during both World Wars. Deptford flourished from the 16th century as a major Royal Navy dockyard, with connections to explorers like Sir Francis Drake. New Cross, once farmland, developed rapidly with the arrival of the railways in the 19th century, later evolving into a cultural hotspot with strong links to art, music, and education.
One in the Wood
My first visit was to One Inn the Wood. This is a cosy micropub located in Petts Wood that played a key role in igniting a local beer movement. Since its launch in 2014, it has been one of the first genuine micropubs in the area, promoting a straightforward vibe—no music, no gadgets, just good chats and top-notch real ale. Housed in a former shop, it was one of the pioneers of the micropub trend that took the UK by storm.
Inside One in the Wood, you’ll find a warm and inviting atmosphere that feels refreshingly uncomplicated. The space is small but welcoming, featuring wooden floors, simple tables, and bench seating that encourages conversations between both newcomers and regulars. Chalkboards showcase the ever-changing lineup of real ales, ciders, and perries, all served directly from the cask in the cool room behind the bar.
A fantastic warm welcome from Martin today and was great chatting. Drinks wise there is a fantastic choice of 6 cask ales, alongside a number of keg beers, ciders and cans. I had a paddle of 3 beers in here. Starting with “The IPA” from Anspach & Hobday. A delicious American IPA brewed with Summit, Ekuanot and Enigma hops giving some fantastic flavours. Second was “Country Best” from Tonbridge Brewery. A delicious traditional English Bitter, full bodied and tasty. Last up was “Snake Eyes Pale” from Two by Two Brewing. Single hopped using Mosaic hops, this is a fantastic super hazy and super juicy American Pale Ale.
Penny Farthing
Onto Penny Farthing, located in Crayford. This is a well-known micropub that opened its doors on September 11, 2014. Founded by experienced pub owners Bob and Bev Baldwin, who previously ran the nearby One Bell, they retired in 2021. This charming spot is set in a former bicycle shop by the River Cray. It serves up real ales and ciders straight from the cask in a cold room with a viewing window. The pub prides itself on a relaxed, community-oriented vibe, inviting guests to chat. It has earned several awards, including Bexley Branch Pub of the Year for four years in a row (2015, 2016, 2017, and 2019) and was a runner-up in the London Regional competition in 2016.
Inside the Penny Farthing, you’ll discover a warm and inviting single-room micropub that used to be a bike shop. The space is decorated with a lovely wooden floor and simple walls adorned with vintage pump badges, showcasing its commitment to real ales. The ambiance is calm and community-driven, perfect for conversations. When the weather is nice, there’s outdoor seating available, offering a view of a small park next to the River Cray.
A great warm welcome from owner Stuart today and was great chatting. On the bar a selection of 4 cask ales alongside a couple of keg beers and a great selection of ciders. “Spring Ale” from Lakedown Brewing Co was my choice in here. A fresh, easy drinking and light pale ale. Some great floral notes and a very crisp finish.
Lucky Anchor
Next up is Lucky Anchor. This place opened its doors in Deptford on July 8, 2024, breathing new life into the old London Velo café and adding a lively spot to the local pub scene. Run by seasoned bar experts, the place has seen extensive renovations, including the uncovering and restoration of original Victorian wall and floor tiles that had been hidden away for years. This careful update not only kept the historical charm intact but also refreshed the venue, enhancing the cultural and social vibe of the area.
Inside, you’ll find a beautifully restored Victorian setting with white, cream, and green wall tiles, along with a quarry-tiled floor. The seating arrangement features a mix of high stools and low tables, all set against a backdrop of soft lighting and a diverse playlist. A dark wood bar stretches along the left side, with tall tables and green leather stools across from it. A standout feature is a Chopper bike mounted on the wall above the banquette seating. Plus, there’s an outdoor space with picnic-style benches that offer plenty of shade.
Was great meeting Finn in here, and thanks for the chat and tour around. On the bar today a selection of 3 cask ales and a large keg line up. A fridge full of bottles and cans offers more variety. I opted with a keg beer from Yonder Brewing. “Coconut Key Lime Pie” is a super fresh sour beer, a mix of zesty lime and sweet coconut, blended beautifully.
Shirkers Rest
My last call was another short walk to nearby New Cross. The Shirker’s Rest, which opened its doors in June 2022 in New Cross, was brought to life by the blogging duo Andy Grumbridge and Vince Raison, teaming up with Camberwell Shark, a group famous for their pop-up pubs. This unique venue is set in a former shop that was originally meant to be a restaurant, giving it a distinctive layout. It serves as a community gathering spot, featuring events like open mic nights and art shows, embodying the founders’ goal of creating a chill place for people to relax and connect.
Inside, you’ll find a laid-back and eclectic vibe that mixes traditional pub elements with a creative twist. The ground floor has a cosy bar area that encourages conversations across tables, while the upstairs is dedicated to art exhibitions and community happenings. The décor includes a quirky rocking chair, mismatched furniture, and walls filled with local art, all contributing to a welcoming and interactive environment. There’s also a small outdoor seating area where guests can kick back and enjoy some fresh air.
A great welcome from Marta this afternoon. The bar offering 2 cask ales alongside ciders and 7 keg lines. I went with a cask ale from Indie Rabble Brewery. “Ahoy-Hoy” is a delicious American Pale Ale hopped with Huell Melon and Mosaic hops. Very easy drinking and refreshing.
Micropub Adventures 
1 Comment