Mrs RM is accompanying me on quite a few trips at the moment. Goodness know what she thinks I get up to without her.
She joined my trip to North Woolwich last week, safe in the knowledge I’d never be caught surreptitiously entering the Royal Standard. As so often in South East London*, you need to start by reading Deserter’s review here.
I’ve also given you the Pubs Galore entry, just the one review mind, as the What Pub description is rather less colourful.
“She smiled enigmatically in a knowing way at the mention of a handpump”
It sounds fantastic (it doesn’t really), and I urged Mrs RM to become the first lady to go in and ask for pint of Smooth. But she resisted. Something about net curtains.
Even the pub legend that is Alan Winfield (best wishes Alan) hasn’t been in the Royal Standard. Mainly that’s because there’s nothing much else about in the area. Just up the A1011, the Henley Arms is the only pub in North Woolwich I’d be allowed in.
Of course, head toward London City Airport and you get Hugo Boss, Tate Shop and an airside bar run by “new” Truman’s. Some interesting opening times on What Pub;
Opening Times 5.60am-8 Mon-Sat; 11-8 Sun
Anyway, you don’t visit North Woolwich for live pubs.
I’m pleased to see the Royal Oak listed on What Pub, but a bit horrified to see it’s still resisting a demolition attempt.
Mrs RM didn’t share my enthusiasm for the “stunning glazed ceramic tile exterior“. I think she was hoping for a beer or something.
So we headed for the river.
There’s still a frisson of excitement about walking under the Thames.
Particularly when water is dripping in through the walls and you need the loo.
What would we find in Woolwich proper to justify all this effort ?
*Deserter makes an excellent case for the repatriation of North Woolwich into SE18.
retiredmartin 
“She smiled enigmatically in a knowing way at the mention of a handpump”
Words fail me. 😆
“Fine selection of largers”
I’m guessing you are referring to the beers and not the, um, entertainment? 😉
“Opening Times 5.60am-8 Mon-Sat; 11-8 Sun”
Interesting open times indeed.
“North Woolwich tunnel”
That building looks like factory for making the TARDIS.
“Particularly when water is dripping in through the walls and you need the loo.”
Usually just hearing dripping water makes me want to go to the loo. 😋
Can’t wait to see what Woolwich proper has. 😎
Cheers
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I can’t wait either. By the way, the second point really isn’t a typo (for a change) but refers to the typical spelling of the generic word for Carlsberg and Stella in “proper” pubs.
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I would just hope the Whatpub desription of “No real ale; just fizz.” isn’t a typo either.
The Truman’s place at City airport is horrible, basically a coffee and bagel stand with overpriced poor quality keg.
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Thanks for that, Scott. Thanks jery much.
That Truman’s place looks dreadful on their website (which doesn’t even give you a working price list).
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As I recall it was 6 quid for the fizz. A pity as I quite like most of the Truman’s beer I’ve tried.
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I think I like Trumans. Problem is, they often appear on trendy east London bars along with six other hand pumps, four kegs and a myriad of other drinks, meaning a dull, warm pint.
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I had a pint of Runner a couple of years ago that was a solid 4. First came across their (cask) beer at a small festival in Cologne, weirdly.
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“but refers to the typical spelling of the generic word for Carlsberg and Stella in “proper” pubs.”
Ooops. Didn’t know that. (blush)
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Visit Halifax (our one) and you’ll see plenty of signs advertising “Ken’s Karioke, chip’s, guessed ale and largers”. You’d love correcting their mistakes.
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I love that tunnel
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That is your second visit to North Woolwich, Martin.
I am sure you will do the Royal Standard one day,if i was there i would do both without thinking how bad they might be,just a shame there are no other pubs nearby.
Plenty of pubs in Woolwich to do,is it the new Youngs house the Dial Arch or the Woolwich Equitable that you are after.
Get yourself up to Plumstead Common,plenty of Doom Bar and John Smiths smooth there,maybe a good read for your blog.
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Just posted on Woolwich proper, Alan. Another new craft bar to replace though too. Plumstead is indeed excellent for proper pubs !
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