Five Instagrammable pubs in south east London

South east London is home to some of London’s oldest and most unique pubs, and some of them also serve as perfect photo locations.

With one of the pubs on this list dating back to 1550 and another being named as the best pub in Bromley we’ve collated five of the best Instagram worthy pubs for their unique exteriors and interiors that make for a great photo spot to feature on “the grid.”

Here’s our list:

The Trafalgar Tavern, Greenwich

Trafalgar Tavern (Image: Google)

If you’re looking for a historic pub with views of the Thames and links to maritime history, The Trafalgar Tavern in Greenwich is a great location to visit.

The pub dates back to 1837 when it was first built, and was a popular drinking spot due to its close proximity to Greenwich Hospital which was used by the Naval officers.

Today the pub still retains much of its links to Greenwich’s maritime history from its old paintings lining the walls to naval-themed artefacts.

The Tudor Barn, Eltham

Tudor Barn in Eltham (Image: Tudor Barn)

Popular for weddings and events, The Tudor Barn is a prime example of a pub with an Instagrammable backdrop.

The building itself dates back to the 16th century and is set within the beautiful gardens of Well Hall Pleasance and is surrounded by a moat.

The Tudor Barn is surrounded by a moat (Image: Tudor Barn)

The building is home to a gastropub and restaurant downstairs, as well as an upstairs event space used for weddings and celebrations.

The 16th century pub, along with the gardens, makes for some beautiful photos, especially in the evenings when the pub can be seen with the glow of fairy lights strung around it.

The Mayflower. Rotherhithe

The Mayflower (Image: Google)

Claiming to be the “oldest pub” on the Thames, The Mayflower in Rotherhithe is definitely the quintessential “oldie pub” to take some shots of.

The pub dates as far back as 1550 when it was formerly called the Shippe, before it was rebuilt in 1790, which is the current building on the site with old items such as paintings and church pew seating.

This pub is a great photograph location for anyone looking to capture one of London’s oldest pubs that feel like you’ve stepped back in time upon entering.

Skehan’s, Nunhead

Skehan’s (Image: Skehan’s)

If you’re a lover of plants then you need to visit this popular pub in the suburbs of Nunhead in south east London.

Skehan’s is recognisable by its blue paintwork and walls covered with various plants.

The walls Skehan’s are covered with a variety of plants (Image: Skehan’s)

The pub was first built in the 1800s, and with its lush green exterior and Victorian architecture it makes for an unusual backdrop for any photo.

The building has captured the imaginations of many local artists who have visited the pub to paint its striking exterior, including Catford-based artist Lydia Woods.

The Cockpit, Chislehurst

The Cockpit (Image: Emma Fradgely)

Located in the Bromley suburb of Chislehurst, The Cockpit is an award-winning micropub located within a florist, with a distinctive exterior decorated with flowers and plants.

The Cockpit was also named as the best pub in Bromley by Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) for 2023.

The inside of the micropub is equally Instagram-worthy, with rustic wooden beams and tables and a host of flowers, making it the perfect flower-centric location to photograph.

https://www.thisislocallondon.co.uk/news/24200759.five-instagrammable-pubs-south-east-london/