A street sign in Greenwich High Road, SE10.
Daily Photo: 15/12/09 – Xmas Trees For Sale
Christmas trees for sale on the corner of Greenwich High Road and Roan Street.
Council consults on Greenwich pedestrianisation proposals
Greenwich Council has initiated a consultation on proposals to part pedestrianise Greenwich town centre.
The pedestrianisation scheme would entail closing College Approach and King William Walk (northern section) to all traffic except for access. Greenwich Church Street north of Creek Road would allow some traffic access.
Cllr Chris Roberts. Leader of Greenwich Council, said, “We are very keen to get the views of everyone who lives in, works in or visits Greenwich, and I hope as many people as possible will take part in the consultation on the Council’s proposals.”
The options currently under proposal are:
Option 1 – two-way traffic on all the non-pedestrianised roads.
Option 2 – create new clockwise traffic gyratory with one-way traffic flows on Norman Road and the affected stretches of Creek Road, Greenwich Church Street and Greenwich High Road.Those supporting the second option are invited to give comments on three variations:
2a – As Option 2 but with two-way movement permitted on Greenwich High Road southwest of Stockwell Street.
2b – As Option 2 but with a bus contra-flow on Greenwich High Road – Greenwich Church Street – Creek Road.
2c – As Option 2 but with a cycle contra-flow on Greenwich High Road – Greenwich Church Street – Creek Road.
The proposed options can be seen in detail, along with a visual computer model, at an exhibition being held at Devonport House on the 19th/20th/21st December between 10am – 8pm. More information is available from the Council website.
Daily Photo: 08/12/09 – The LESC Building
Small electricity substation in Greenwich High Road built by the London Electric Supply Corporation. Find out more about it from the Greenwich Industrial Heritage Society.
Pub Review: The Auctioneer
The Auctioneer
217-219 Greenwich High Road
SE10 8NB
Cheap (ish) and Cheerful
Within 5 minutes of entering this pub my friend and I were deep into reminiscing about our student days, which pretty much tells you all you need to know about The Auctioneer.
Part of the Mitchell and Butler’s ‘Scream’ branded chain, the pub makes no bones about it’s cheap and cheerful pretensions. The generic mish-mash interior and scruffy, sticky, leather furniture, mark this as a place not too fussed about its appearance and unlike most Greenwich pubs, the only mark of historical significance is graffiti on the tables informing you that, at some indeterminate time, ‘Mark woz ‘ere’.
Numerous whiteboards scream (geddit?) offers on any drink that you could put in a pitcher, and the bar is full of the usual suspects including a job lot of Carlsberg and Blossom Hill Rosé. The drinks disappointingly aren’t that cheap, but then most clued up students will know that your ‘Scream’ loyalty card will get you a discount on the more sensible drinks like Sambuca, or Screambuca as it’s called here. Classy. There is also plenty of food on offer, but given the grubby state of the menus you’re a braver person than me if you choose to give the £5 burgers a go.
But let’s not be too snobby – the Auctioneer doesn’t over promise and it’s good that the university contingent is catered for amongst a sea of very well to do pubs in Greenwich. 7 or 8 years ago I used to feel right at home in places like this, and The Auctioneer was well stocked with people for a weekday evening. Therefore, although this place may not be to everyone’s tastes, it’s a fairly perfect version of what it is: a place to get drunk before you go and steal some traffic cones.
What they say: “Aimed at students and like-minded individuals, and famous for its range of burgers as well as its excellent lager and cider selection, these pubs are often the best place in town to watch all major sporting events” – Scream Website
What you say: “It’s the sort of place where I would take the boys there for a weekend knees-up without worrying about spilling beer on the floor!” – Fellow Customer
What do you think of the Auctioneer? Post your comments below…
Pub Review: The Mitre
The Mitre Hotel
291 Greenwich High Road
SE10 8NA
Keeping it real
If you ever have a friend visiting from another country and they ask you to show them a real British pub, take them to The Mitre.
The Mitre ticks almost every box on the ‘proper pub’ checklist. The large main area is adequately shabby with slightly sticky, worn décor, chesterfield sofas that have seen better days and a faint smell of stale beer. You get the feeling that many a good night has been had here by football fans and students alike and there’s been no urgency to get the industrial cleaners in afterwards. It’s certainly not flashy or impressive, but it all gives the place a sense of relaxed authenticity that is rather charming.
The drink selection is everything you would expect with a range of mainstream lagers, good soft drinks and a strong wine list to complement its emphasis on food. Expect the usual pub fare including burgers, fish and chips and chocolate fudge cake with a few vegetarian dishes as well.
Although The Mitre has its contingent of locals who prop up the bar stools, it is by no means unwelcoming to newcomers and is well situated for passing tourist trade and students. There’s a big beer garden and occasional live music, and you could even stay the night in one of the 15 bedrooms if the temptation to make a night of it in the tantalisingly named ‘Irish Bar’ is too great to resist!
‘Real’ pubs like this are increasingly rare these days, as most London watering holes seem to feel the need to spruce up, bulk buy the Tiffany lamps, prefix their pub-ness with the term ‘gastro’ and stick 50p on all the drinks prices. Not so the Mitre. It knows its place and doesn’t try too hard to change it. Good on ‘em I say.
What they say: “…run like a family business, but with all the professional care and attention you expect” The Mitre Hotel website
What you say: “Great location and a good place to come to watch the footie on a Sunday” Fellow Customer.
Shooting at the North Pole
An apparently random shooting took place outside the North Pole pub in Greenwich High Road last night.
The BBC reports that a car pulled up, a man got out and fired shots which left three people – one woman and two men – requiring hospital attention although their conditions are not life threatening.
The attacker was then driven away from the scene and police were alerted at around 02:40.
Witnesses or anyone that can provide information relating to this should contact Greenwich Police on 0300 123 1212.
Update 24/02/09
A man has been arrested and remanded in prison in connection with this. 28 year old Thomas Scott from Plumstead was charged with grievous bodily harm, possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life, and also possessing a banned weapon.