The Dacre Arms, Lewisham

11 Kingswood Place, Lee, SE13 5BU

I was on the lookout for an image of the Dacre Arms on Flickr for this post when I stumbled across the joyful photo above. These ladies are the Dacre Morris team, pictured in front of this lovely neighbourhood pub in south east London in 1983.

The team began in 1981, and they are still going strong today. Indeed, on one recent visit to the Dacre Arms they were dancing outside and drinking in the pub after their jangling exertions.

I think the happiness that radiates from this image is a good reflection of the pub itself. It's no nonsense, cash only and there are usually at least one or two dogs around - basically a very nice place to be.

Cosy rating: 8/10 - lots of snug booths, swirly carpets and hops around the bar, but it's the atmosphere that truly makes this place cosy.
Secret rating: 9/10 - buried deep in the backstreets of Lee / Blackheath / Lewisham and not very near any public transport.
Best bits: Regular guest beer and a telly for sport - but muted so conversations can continue. The beer garden is a bonus.
Worst bits: Not a great place for wine - they only have those mini bottles. No food. But both minor quibbles.

Image courtesy of George Plempler - thanks George, I adore this set.