The Blythe Hill Tavern

This small pub is to us a symbol of how it should and can be done. This gentleman is the landlord or Connie as we call him. He has turned a small pub into a remarkable place. For families who wish a quiet time in his garden, so the children can wear themeselves out on his children's assault course, to those who like just marvel at the colours, his garden has it all.  Many people go to watch the sports with a pint of beer; this place has everything!  Now that we are losing British pubs (an essential part of each community) at an alarming rate, we should be very thankful.

There are three bars in the pub, this one is full of Golf momentoes from many years back.

Womens Golf is included, of course, and here is the the lovely roof area!

Now let us go into the garden, we will go back to the other bars later of course! Who could resist this rose, or indeed this daylily?

A pub garden without roses, I don't think so!

A classic Victorian plant and a great colour, Verbena and some pansies!

Time for some refreshment so a bit of the second bar, and of course a Guinness Treasure!

A lovely Begonia and a beautiful petunia.

The beauty of a simple salvia to the riot of colour in a container, the choice is yours!

So you think you like old mirrors, look at these!

The old adverts might look great, but look at the seating and then look at a closer view of it; all made by hand, every bit. If they could talk I wonder how many stories they could tell!

A newly planted container and of course a beer barrel of plants.

Plus Hanging baskets everywhere!

 Sporting legends and books to stop disputes is on the left!

One of the containers and a lovely hanging basket!

A lovely hanging basket, and a beer barrel planting!

Above the third bar, notice below are some of the Guest beers, on the right is a Jockey's silks.

A beer barrel planting and then a bit of the children's assault course!

Two more hanging baskets. The first one has an Elder tree behind it, and the second is a Begonia!

A collection of old balls that men and in the third bar for those who prefer to ride!

Lovely pansies and gorgeous red Verbena with some white Petunias!

A Peony and a then a Hebe.

In the third bar and yes the fire does work, on the right is the small bar and believe it or not the little gap you see at the end of the bar is how you get to the other bars or the Garden, unless you go outside! I hasten to add there is no smoking in any public building in the U.K., hence the signs. You can smoke outside in the smoking area that has a heater and lights, but not inside.

I do hope that you have enjoyed this little tour of a pub, and one man's love of his garden. Everyone is welcome as it is an Irish family pub and does lovely "Pork scratchings."

A lovely old sign, here is a bit of the front!

Please do not think that British pubs are full of beer swilling people, some are, but this one serves drinks not drunks. You can have a non alcoholic drink if you so wish and enjoy the atmosphere. I love this old Guinness mirror and on the left a bigger picture of Connie's pride!

This pub has been mentioned in many articles, but not by those who know it. It is in southeast London and for directions, see this: The BLYTHE HILL TAVERN!

I leave you with this, for what could be better than a pint in a beer garden, and looking at something as beautiful as this. My thanks to Connie for allowing me to take photos in his fine establishment.

Regards Neil.

For Nancy.