The Dog & Bell
📍 1.2 miles from The Den
Recent Fan Reviews
I love coming to the Dog and Bell for a crisp Murphy’s or Guinness. The pub is always busy but they have plenty of staff working so you don’t have to wait long to be served. There is ample seating inside and out so you can usually get somewhere to sit down. The pub is nicely decorated with a hearty fire so feels especially cosy on a winters evening. They have a bar billiards table which is rare in London and makes for a fun game!! 10/10 recommend here for a beer or for one of their many events.
The best Irish/English pub I've ever been to (I've visited some good ones). The mac & cheese was delicious and the beer and whisky selections are quite extensive. Service was so welcoming and fun that we immediately contemplated returning during our short stay. The Christmas decorations were stunning and it added a coziness that was unparalleled. Quite a busy spot, and now I know why. I'll be back next time I'm in town for sure! Thanks to the staff for making it an absolutely excellent experience.
I feel very lucky to have such a beautiful pub near my home. I’ve made so many wonderful memories here with friends, and it truly brings warmth and character to the neighbourhood. The welcoming staff and great food make this place even more special!
🚇 Deptford 🍺 £7.00 Guinness Merry Christmas. 🎅🏻 The Dog & Bell is tucked away on a quiet side street close to the River Thames in Deptford, South East London. The nearest station is Deptford. With a history dating back to the 18th century, The Dog & Bell was long a watering hole for the Royal Navy and workers at the nearby Deptford shipyards. Known as The Royal Marine in the late 19th century—a nod to the barracks just down the road—the pub you see today was built around 1910. Its name reverted to The Dog & Bell in the late 1970s and, after a brief spell in the early 1980s as a bit of a villain’s pub, new owners changed its fortunes by inviting Morris dancers to perform, prompting the less savoury regulars to move on. Today, this is a traditional pub with two adjoining bars. The bar to the left has a good-sized servery, a comfy banquette, a bar billiards table and a Joanna. The bar to the right is split-level, with an inviting seating area featuring pews and a period fireplace. At the rear is a covered outdoor space with benches and heaters, with plenty of benches at the front as well. The decor is simply marvellous. I visited at this time of year as I wanted to check out the Christmas decorations and have to say, “Wow.” From Santa on his sleigh at the front to the foliage and fairy lights inside, it is definitely Christmastime at The Dog & Bell. There are also some lovely features throughout, such as the Celtic knot-work stained glass, the back-lit Murphy’s signage, beautiful woodwork and a proper pub carpet! The beer selection is excellent and offers a broad range of premium lagers, local brews, familiar favourites and cask ales. I decided on a Guinness; my pint was top drawer, price point was a tad high. Food-wise, it’s pub classics: fish and chips cost £16.50, breakfasts are available from 10am at weekends, and roasts are served on Sundays. We arrived at 10am as we wanted to check out the pub in all its glory and had a great chat and a pint with one of the guv’nors, who was an absolute gentleman. We finished our pints, visited several other fine Deptford establishments, and came back at 6pm. By then, the pub was packed to the rafters and buzzing. There was a brass band playing outside, which set a lovely Christmassy tone. The service was amazing, and the team on duty were warm and friendly. The pub hosts live music, trad Irish sessions, Jazz nights and a quiz on a Sunday. Is there such thing as the perfect pub, well The Dog & Bell could be it. I absolutely loved everything about the pub. The beer, the decor, the atmosphere and the amazing hospitality were all of the highest order. If you get a chance over Christmas to visit, it is most definitely worth it, if not you have something special to look forward to. Follow @the_dog_and_bell for updates. 📅 20th December 2025 If you want to see all my pub reviews in one place, head to @londonpubmap on Instagram or Facebook. 🍻
Busy Saturday night. First time in my life a bartender has spotted me waiting from the far side of a busy bar 😊 good prices, stunningly decorated pub, great live band, beautiful vibe and lovely crowd. Honestly one of the best pubs I've been to in London.