The Greenwich Union
56 Royal Hill, SE10 8RT
£3.50-£4.20 / pint.
It’s Ale About The Beer
If real ale is your thing then The Greenwich Union is a real treat.
The Union is the flag-pub of local beer academic Alastair Hook and his Meantime Brewing Company. Hook’s mission is clear: to give publicans more choice of real ales by local brewers and I’d say on that score The Union is a resounding success.
The beer is the real star of the show and definitely gives The Union an edge. The selection of Meantime ales is extensive, from wheat and raspberry beers on draught to unusual bottled beers such as chocolate and coffee. Be warned that anything mainstream is against Meantime’s religion so the wine and soft drink selection is merely adequate and don’t expect Carlsberg or cider on tap. But then again, ordering a Carlsberg here would be a bit like asking for a pot noodle at a gourmet Chinese restaurant, so I wouldn’t necessarily call its absence a failing.
From the outside the pub has an inviting glow and has both back and front beer gardens. The clientele are mostly professionals of all ages and with its ale focus its not one for the kids (so all the nicer for those without them!). The staff are friendly and service was quick but I did go midweek and The Union’s very small bar might make getting a pint in at the weekend a tad more difficult.
There is simple Gastro Pub grub on offer, so steaks, fish, lashings of chips and hearty puddings, boasting locally sourced produce at reasonable prices. However it’s not great for Vegetarian diners with only 1 or 2 suitable dishes.
What they say: “Our sole concern is to put before the consumer the most exciting flavours to be found in beer that we are able to create with the wit and technology at our disposal” – Meantime Website
What you say: “Brilliant Beer! The friendly staff said hello when I came in and recommended a beer to me as I wasn’t sure what to choose. I’d definitely come here again” – Fellow Customer
What do you think about the Greenwich Union pub? Post your comments below…
but Greenwich.co.uk is giving away a copy of the book…
