Herne Tavern, East Dulwich

A three-room Victorian Tavern which underwent a distinctive 1930s refurbishment.

Although by no means grand, this pub impresses even from a distance because of the way that its upper floors, of typically handsome Victorian design, contrast happily with the very different ground floor. The latter has classy brickwork and delightful leaded windows, all part of a 1930s remodelling which included adding a sizable extension onto the right-hand side.

Signage that reads “Public Bar”, “Saloon Lounge” and “Lounge” is contained in what are some of the most attractive windows to be found in any London pub. Dimpled glass intermingles with small panes that are tinted various shades of mottled green. Some of the arched windows feature tiny leaded segments that suggest tear-drop earrings.    

The interior has retained three rooms (although the connecting doors are gone) which surround what is effectively an island bar. All have attractive half-height wood panelling on the walls.

The bar counter still occupies its original position and the black-and-white tiling at its base looks like it may be from the 1930s refit. One of the few concessions to modernity is the removal of a large panel from the bar-back which separates left and right bars, with the result that you can now see through one to the other.  Two tiled fireplaces in the former Public Bar contain 1930s pictorial images of sailing vessels – might this suggest that the name of the pub originally had some connection with Herne Bay?     

The 1930s refurbishment included the installation of a number of very distinctive – perhaps unique - chairs with upward-sweeping arm rests very suggestive of the art deco period. Today, several of them are still there. Look out for them – they are a distinctive feature of this pub. 

At the back of the pub is the Barn, a former stables, and running beneath it River Peck; a glass panel has been inserted into the floor to permit viewing of it – although apparently no-one has actually been able to see the river for many years.