The Phoenix
Windsor Walk, SE5 8BB Tel: 0207 703 8767
www.thephoenixwindsorwalk.co.uk
The Phoenix is an ever-changing beast. One of our party associates it with work (nurses and doctors from the nearby Maudsley and Kings College Hospitals flood into the bar for after-work drinks and food). Another associates it with commuting (The Phoenix is located inside Denmark Hill station). Another has no commuting nor work connotations and simply sees it as a good local gastropub with varied clientele. However, everyone agrees on the fact that The Phoenix is a very pleasant place to have a drink or a casual meal. The menu has recently been updated and offers a good range of standard gastro-pub fayre, which is well-priced, and very nicely prepared, with some interesting options such as their tasty chargrilled halloumi and vegetable kebabs, and their excellent lamb kofka (the falafel wrap made a very big hit the last time we visited). They have a good range of snack and sharing items, which embraces The Phoenix’s versatility as a pub/restaurant for all purposes. They also do larger meals: their burgers are particularly generous, their fish and chips are fresh and crisp, and they have a fair range of vegetarian options. Sunday roasts are especially popular, and prices are fair. Service can be varied: order at the bar, and you can wait quite a while before the food appears (which it tends to do in no particular order) but even this is improving by the week. Wash down your meal with an excellent range of beers and wines. A particular draw of The Phoenix is its beautiful architecture, including a high ceiling, huge old original station clock and an original wrought iron staircase. This is juxtaposed with some more quirky décor (for instance the multiple mirror wall in the women’s toilets) and a combination of booths, tables, and sofas. The Phoenix is a versatile venue, and its casual and relaxed atmosphere prevails whether you are there for a slap-up meal or a quick drink.
Food 4
Service 3
Ambience 4
Gay friendliness 4