A family run pub in Eltham which is full of history has a secret drawer containing the “tales and stories of people who have visited the pub - both old and new”.
The Park Tavern, which is located just off Eltham High Street, is currently owned by Kim and her two sons Mitchell and Wilson who took over the venue in 2012 and transformed it into the pub it is today.
The pub has been in the family for a long time as it was originally owned by Kim's sister and brother-in-law until the duo decided to retire, passing it to Kim and her sons.
Despite facing difficulties due to the pandemic, they persevered and managed to buy the freehold from Stonegate in December 2021, making the pub a thriving independent.
Kim explained that the pub and its staff hope to “create a warm and friendly atmosphere where people all ages can feel safe whether that’s coming in on your own to have a quiet drink and read the paper in front of our open fire or if you’re coming in with friends to have a catch up in our beer garden.”
The website of the Park Tavern explains that there are no distracting intrusions such as TVs, sport, or pool tables and instead can enjoy the soothing sounds of light classical music and jazz in the background.
The pub aims to provide a more traditional emphasises on socialising and enjoying time with good company.
The exterior of The Park Tavern still retains the original Truman's brewery tiling, providing a nostalgic feel and the original back bar, complete with Truman's branding and old 1p coins, adds to the old-fashioned pub ambiance.
Kim added: “We have a secret drawer as well, which if you’re lucky to discover you can read tales and stories of people who have visited our Pub throughout the years both old and new.”
The Park Tavern aims to source and support independent breweries, offering a wide range of beers (particularly its cask range) that you wouldn't find in most pubs.
With six rotational cask ales and 12 keg taps, there is something to suit every beer enthusiast's taste.
The pub serves food on lunchtimes from Monday to Saturday, offering everything from sandwiches and Panini's to homemade fish cakes and slow-roasted pork belly with crackling and Bubble and Squeak.
For those seeking a lighter snack, cheeseboards and homemade pate are available when the kitchen is closed, along with a selection of bar snacks.
The garden to the rear offers an oasis of calm to enjoy al fresco drinking and dining, complete with cover and heating if needed and there is also a front terrace.
Currently, the Park Tavern is gearing up for its yearly beer festival which set to take place on Sunday, August 27.
The festival promises a day of delicious food from the BBQ, an expanded range of ales and ciders in the garden, and a soul DJ playing feel-good music all day – and its free to come along.
She added: “This is a day that all our regulars and staff look forward to as it is such a great atmosphere.”
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