The Amersham Arms

The relaunched Amersham Arms is drawing in a hip crowd from far beyond its New Cross/Lewisham catchment area, this being one of south-east London’s most happening bars – like Shoreditch but without the attitude. Choose from bargain-bin tiki cocktails (two tequila, vodka & Red Bull Chimeras for £6) or reasonably priced wine in a coal fire-warmed snug done out in flea-market junk. Otherwise, groove the night away in a cavernous penumbral back barn over Red Stripe, Guinness & Amstel, as on-the-money DJs play anything from ELO to Dirty Pretty Things. Other attractions include art exhibitions, spoken-word events, stand-up & gigs by the would-be White Stripes or Goldfrapp acts. Sunday night is prize bingo night, with some of the tackiest prizes imaginable on offer. Food, served all day, is at giveaway prices: £5.50 for burgers & pies from Deptford butcher Wellbeloved, while pasta, snacky bites & puds are even cheaper. A 3am weekend licence is another major factor in the Amersham’s popularity.