Nunhead Skehan's: A pub with unique history and Irish spirit

Located at 1 Kitto Road, Skehan’s blends lively Irish spirit with a mix of a traditional Thai restaurant, but what sets the pub apart is also the intriguing backstory as it started out as a coaching house built by the Worshipful Haberdashers Guild.

The pub on the road (Image: Skehan’s)

The outside independent venue has its iconic and standout red brick as it was built before the rest of the road.

The former coaching house where coaches and horses stayed has now been transformed into a charming beer garden.

Skehan’s outdoor seating area (Image: Skehan’s)

By the later part of the 19th century, the building was the birthplace of the “Skenahan Society” a group who split from the Worshipful Haberdashers Guild due to their opposition to the puritanism of the Guild.

Owner Bryan Fitzsimons shared some insight from The Conservation Society of Kitto Road, who said: "The Society was founded in order to pursue the Skenahan's agenda, which included activities such as: hectoring known fops and popinjays, writing bawdy poems about local trollops, and exposing themselves to passing clergy".

Live music at Skehan’s (Image: Skehan’s)

Gary, who is originally from Munster Co. Limerick Ireland, said: “I have been here for eight years. I try keep the pub as traditional as I can.

“We play music six night a week and we try our best to make musicians feel welcome. We also show any sport that's on but we particularly like Rugby, Gaa and of course the Prem.

“We sell traditional pub fare, pints of delicious creamy Guinness, wines and spirits. Our goal is to be comfortable and homely place for our patrons, and we aim to keep doing this in the future.”

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Skehan’s are proud to be named Time Out’s Best Pub in London, which won the title “thanks to its impeccable atmosphere, rowdy karaoke nights, the always-in-demand pool table, great Thai food and friendly fanbase of everyone from local students to folk who seem like they’ve been part of the furniture for decades”.

With a unique mix of history, music, tradition, and cuisines, Skehans doesn’t just serve pints but makes a mark on the heart of south east London.

Inside the venue (Image: Skehan’s)

It achieved an impressive 4.6 on Google Maps with many customers praising the buzzing atmosphere.

One review reads: “Stopped in for a pint whilst waiting for a train. An absolute gem of a place with a very welcoming and homely atmosphere.

“The beer was good, and even in the early afternoon there was a very good vibe about the place.

“I did not stop for food, however it looked to be a fairly comprehensive Thai menu, that I would definitely try sampling next time.”