The Dartmouth Arms

Forest Hill can’t claim to have a great deal of choice when it comes to pubs but luckily for its locals, those it does have are all well worth spending an idle Saturday lounging in. In fact, The Dartmouth Arms is one of those pubs set up to welcome the loungers and layabouts of weekend drinking – not that weekend’s are the only time worth visiting.

Located on Dartmouth Road, a short walk from Forest Hill Overground, the pub is situated on the main high street. The busy road out front is offset by a cosy beer garden out the back. And the ample amounts of tables you’ll find laid out on the wooden decking are enough to pull people here when the weather allows for it. Inside it’s a pub of two halves. A more formal set-up towards the back hints at a dining area while the room closest to the front window is all armchairs and other random soft furnishings that look like they’d make for good sitting.

Open until midnight through the week and 1am on weekends, The Dartmouth ups its buzz during the evening with music and occasional entertainment. Forest Hill is a neighbourhood full of families and you’d suspect that they appreciate the fact that you’re always likely to be able to find a table in a local like the Dartmouth Arms. Food is a cut above the average pub grub – think venison casserole, gnocchi etc. – but there is room for improvement on the beer front. Aside from a good selection of ale on tap, the Peroni is the most exciting thing. However, you could argue that the presence of Kernel bottles in the fridge makes up for the issue.

Nothing fancy, The Dartmouth is a solid local that is smart and cosy enough to leave a positive impression.