Sarra from London

I was born and raised in Greece before moving to London in 2004. What was meant to be a temporary adventure turned into nearly 20 years of calling one of Europe’s most vibrant capitals my home. These days, I work as a freelance researcher and writer, loving the flexibility that remote working brings. When London feels a bit too much, I escape back to Athens or set off to explore new corners of the...

Mar 10, 2025

The Army and Navy London

A True London Boozer

"The Army and Navy, a 1930s pub near Newington Green, offers a cozy interior, a large beer garden, and a laid-back vibe. Enjoy a pint with a good company!"

A no-nonsense boozer that stays true to its old-school identity, The Army and Navy is the kind of place where you pop in for a quiet pint and somehow end up drinking the night away. Nestled near Newington Green, at the corner of Matthias Road and Elton Street, this Grade II-listed red-brick building was built in the 1930s for Truman Brewery and still holds onto its Neo-Georgian charm.

Its cosy interior features old wooden furniture, vintage vitrolite ceilings typical of Truman’s pubs, and a well-worn dark blue and burgundy oriental-style carpet soaked in both beer and history. Outside, the real star is the sprawling beer garden. Spacious and packed with covered, heated seating for when the weather turns, there is always a spot to settle in.

Expect a mix of older locals and Hackney’s indie crowd enjoying a lazy afternoon or a long evening session. On match days, finding a seat might be a challenge, yet if you are in for football, the huge TV screens and electric atmosphere will reward you.

The menu is limited to crisps and nuts, yet if after a few pints you fancy a bite, you can either bring in fish & chips from Micky’s Chippy across the street or have Yard Sale Pizza delivered straight to the pub. No frills, no gimmicks—just a proper London pub with good beer, a great crowd, and the kind of character that’s hard to find these days.

Bars

About this spot

1-3 Matthias Road, Mayville Estate

Guinness Pint:

Social

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Shopping

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Thompson

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The Clarendon Arms

Cherish, don't change

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Bars

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Thompson

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Theo's, Camberwell

Your neighbourhood Italian

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Restaurants

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The French House

Old school journo den

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Bars

Restaurants

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Thompson

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Swingers London

Boozy indoor crazy golf

"Swingers London" London is a crazy indoors golf course with a bar and lots of street food-style eateries. Tip: get a few cocktails at the bar beforehand.

Bars

Relaxing

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Swain

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Peckham Levels

A hub of creativity

"Peckham Levels" is in one of London's most formerly notorious neighborhoods. Now it's one of the coolest neighborhoods -- come and spend a whole day here!