The Duke of Greenwich Review

DISCLOSURE – THIS EXPERIENCE WAS GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST/S FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW.
Reviewed by Dee Ryz
On Wednesday evening, I had the pleasure of dining at The Duke of Greenwich, a pub with a blend of tradition and contemporary charm, located near Maze Hill in South East London. From the moment we walked in, I was struck by the chilled atmosphere and warm reception from the staff, who were friendly and attentive throughout the evening. Though a bit off the beaten track, it’s a fabulous under-the-radar spot for those in the area or visiting nearby Greenwich.
The pub strikes a perfect balance between the familiar comfort of a classic British pub and the sleek touches of a modern London bar. The outdoor garden, with its trestle tables and open grill, has a lively, communal vibe that would be great for catching up with a group of friends, while the indoor restaurant would make for a cosy couple’s date night. And whether you choose to sit indoors or outside, the atmosphere is relaxed, making it an ideal spot to unwind and enjoy a meal in comfort.
What really makes the menu at The Duke of Greenwich stand out is the focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients that are sustainably sourced. The meat is supplied by a regenerative farm in Dorset, ensuring it’s both responsibly produced and full of flavour. Their fish is delivered daily from Cornwall, and the vegetables come from trusted local farms. This attention to detail isn’t just for show – it’s clear in the vibrant flavours and quality of the food.
We started with three small plates: smoked pork burnt ends with charred corn and jalapeño, grilled red gem lettuce with cucumber and ranch dressing, and miso grilled kabocha squash drizzled with a sticky sesame glaze. Each dish brought a different texture and flavour, from the smoky and crispy burnt ends to the light and refreshing lettuce. The standout for me, though, was the kabocha squash – it had a perfect balance of sweet and savoury, and the glaze was simply delicious.
For the main course, we couldn’t resist the smoked beer can chicken, which was beautifully cooked with a crisp, smoky spiced skin and tender meat. The house barbecue sauce had just the right mix of sweetness and tang to complement the dish, and the sugar snaps and runner beans with mint oil on the side added a refreshing contrast – winner, winner, chicken dinner, indeed!
For dessert, we indulged in both options: the Strawberry, Raspberry, and Blackberry Maze Hill Mess, and the Peanut Butter Cheesecake with caramelised banana. The Mess was light, fruity, and a perfect end to the meal, while the cheesecake was rich and indulgent, with the peanut butter and banana combination hitting all the right notes.
Overall, the meal was excellent value, with small plates starting at £9 and larger sharing mains from £24. Our server, Laxmi, went above and beyond to make us feel welcome and taken care of, adding to the overall fantastic experience. The Duke of Greenwich has definitely earned its place on our list of must-visit pubs in South East London.
If you’re looking for a gift for a foodie in your life, or know someone who loves BBQ and smoked foods, I highly recommend treating them to a meal here. And for beer lovers, don’t miss out on The Duke of Greenwich Beer Festival happening on Saturday 14th September – with £10 tickets (book online at www.eventbrite.com), you’ll get entry to the festival, a free pint of house lager, a free tasting glass and samples of beers from local brewers like Bullfinch Brewery and Ignition Brewery. It’s sure to be a fun day out!
Overall, the Duke of Greenwich is more than just a neighbourhood pub, it’s a destination for great food, attentive service, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
https://www.dukeofgreenwich.com/
Rating: 5/5