Friday 16th May 2025
Ian Rogers
This micropub is found in a former corner shop unit and was opened in September 2017.
You enter through a corner door into the front rectangular shaped bar area. To either side are long wooden backed benches with several high level tables with tall wooden chairs on the other side, all sitting on a wooden floor. Plenty of cushions are also available.
Ahead is the small bar, above which are hung small chalkboards showing the current Cask options and prices. To the left of the bar is another blackboard listing Wine options, plus another two showing Spirits, plus any other information, such as upcoming entertainment.
To the right of the bar on the brick wall are further small hanging chalkboards showing the current Cider and Perry offerings. In addition, each table had printed lists.
Behind the bar there are fridges containing some cans and bottles including some Belgian beers. Off to the left is a door to the same level cellar with the racks for gravity dispense.
To the right of the bar is a brick wall with many CAMRA certificates and also an open doorway down a step into a rear seating area. There is also a sign hanging above requesting that mobile phones be put on silent.
This is similar to the front bar with a long bench on one side, plus some small shelf spaces on the other side. The toilets can be found at the rear of this area.
The River Ale House is only about a mile from the Charlon Athletic football ground. The night before my visit they had won their promotion play off Semi-Final.
So I had a slight fear that they may have drunk the place dry, but I needn’t have worried as there was a good choice on, even though it differed from that listed on Real Ale Finder app.
There were 4 Casks already on, which increased to 5 during my stay and fulfilling their policy of having a range from light to dark on.
Sampled were Kent Session Pale (3.7%), Pig & Porter Caravan (3.6%), Gadds’ Seasider (4.3%) and Oakham Green Devil (6%).
A very welcoming, friendly venue with well kept ales, but worth checking Charlton fixtures if you want a quiet visit!
Important Information:
River Ale House, 131 Woolwich Road, Greenwich, London, SE10 0RJ
Tel: 07963 127595. Web: theriveralehouse.com
Hours: Monday - Thursday 16.00-22.00; Friday 14.00-23.00; Saturday 12.00-23.00; Sunday 13.00-23.00.
Food service: None in-house, but ordering in Pizza may be possible, please double-check at the bar.
Trains: Westcombe Park is about 10mins walk and is served by Southeastern & Thameslink.
Buses: TFL Routes 129, 177, 286 & 422 pass outside and stop close by. (If travelling Eastbound it is a floating Bus Stop, i.e., there is a 2-way cycle lane between it and the pavement – so look both ways).
