The Duke of Greenwich, formerly “The Vanbrugh”, this corner pub near Maze Hill station has been completely refurbished and under new management with a new trio behind the success of the award-winning Jolly Gardeners in Vauxhall, Hucknall Pubs. Front of House Dan told us they’d had their eye on the place for two years since its Covid closure and finally reopened last summer with a sweet 15-year lease. Another historic pub saved from being converted into flats.

We were greeted as we came in by all of the staff and the service throughout was exceptional, we did not want for anything the whole time. The owners welcomed regulars with handshakes, and dogs and families with open arms. There was such a friendly atmosphere it made us want to hang out there again – my friend said he’d even bring his mum here. The interior is unrecognisable from before with bright and sleek decor studded with beautiful Greenwich Printmaker artists on the walls. If you’re into craft beers there are many local breweries on tap making it a real independent gem setting it apart from most pubs in this area.

And so to the food. We sampled the Sunday roast opting for the 28 Day Aged beef silverside with Yorkshire Pudding and the Rolled Lamb shoulder with sausage and apricot stuffing, both served with refillable veg. family style. We enjoyed not only a delicious cauliflower cheese but also roasted carrots, kale and sweet potato mash and gravy.

At £24 for the roast, it’s a great price for the quality we had. The portion of lamb was cooked to perfection with an umami salty crust and the beef disappeared very quickly. All the food is sourced from the best suppliers in the business including meats from Lyons Hill Farm, fish from James Knight of Mayfair and vegetables from Shrub Provisions. We followed with the peanut butter cheesecake, not too sweet and very moreish. The Sticky Date pudding with ice cream was excellent and was the perfect end to the meal.

The owners have huge plans for the summer with the garden being re-landscaped and widened, a big screen for summer sports and a BBQ fire cage for guest takeovers and bar pop-ups. There’s a weekly happy hour on Thursdays 4-7pm with all drinks at £4, and a monthly pub quiz night, they are intent on making this a community place. Back to the owners, they have worked for some of the best restaurants in town including Polpo, The Delaunay and the Big Easy so we are lucky to have them in Greenwich to shake up the scene. We will be supporting them with bells on!

Website: www.dukeofgreenwich.com

Address: The Duke of Greenwich, 91 Colomb St. Greenwich, London, SE10 9EZ

Written By Claire Selby
Photos courtesy of The Duke of Greenwich