Nestled in the quiet backstreets of Peckham, far from the polished fronts of chain pubs, The Olde Apple Tree might not catch your eye at first.
Its worn exterior hints at a pub long past its prime, but step inside, and you’re met with something rare: a slice of London pub life that feels unfiltered and real.
No food. No fancy events. Just a proper boozer serving cheap pints and good vibes.
Time Out recently ranked The Olde Apple Tree seventh in its list of London’s top 10 pubs for 2024.
Intrigued by the buzz, News Shopper dropped in to see if it’s truly worth the hype.
“It’s surprising we’ve been rated one of the top, we’re in the backstreets of Peckham”, pub manager Sean Mckeogh told the News Shopper.
With a rich history in the pub scene of south east London, Sean has also worked at several beloved local spots, including The Bank and The Queen Vic in Bermondsey, as well as working on part of The Mitre in Greenwich.
Sean said: “I love when people fight to keep a pub, but they don't choose to go to the pub.”
“A lot of people have moved around the area, but they're not the people that are drinking”.
The Olde Apple Tree has its faults, from a leaking roof to cracks in the wallpaper, but despite the wear and tear, it’s overflowing with character and charm.
The imperfections only add to its appeal, giving it an authentic, lived-in vibe that many pubs lack these days.
Inside, a jukebox hums in the background while regulars shoot pool or play darts.
Outside, the spacious front patio is a suntrap in the summer, perfect for sipping a pint of Fosters or Stella—both priced at around £4.
“No one’s drinking like they used to,” Sean reflects. “This time a few years ago, you couldn’t get in the door on a Friday. Now, I could open at 4pm and close by 10.”
The challenges facing The Olde Apple Tree are emblematic of a broader trend.
Rising costs, gentrification, and shifting drinking habits have hit traditional pubs hard.
Sean told the News Shopper that his beloved boozer had to close during the pandemic, and even though it reopened, the landscape has changed.
“The charm doesn’t pay the bills,” Sean admits. “I’ve been here so long because I’ve got a building firm that’s helped keep the place standing”.
The team behind the pub is small but tight knit, consisting of Sean, his wife, their colleague Lani Hart, and one other worker.
Together, they run the Olde Apple Tree with a focus on keeping it a true local’s pub.
“We make enough money here ourselves; we’re working here all the time”, Sean added.
If the pub gets rebuilt, Sean says he would continue to own it, and it will remain a place for everyone to enjoy.
If you're after craft ales or gastropub menus, The Olde Apple Tree isn't the place.
But if you're in the mood for cheap beer, a game of darts, and a taste of true London pub history, then this hidden gem is definitely worth a detour.
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