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Reviews of The King's Arms

Tooley Street, London SE1

 

Some reviews on this page may refer to a previous operator of the same premises.
Lovely Christmas meal
Myself & 10 mates went to the Kings Arms on Saturday 21 December, and had a lovely meal. The Christmas menu was 3 courses for £25. I enjoyed the prawn cocktail, roast turkey & trimmings, plus Xmas pud - all delicious. My friends enjoyed alternatives to turkey which included venison ragu with pasta, Asian tuna stir fry, and vegetable pie. Highly recommended. Will return to pub to sample their non Xmas grub.
Proper (gastro)pub food
Was here with a bunch of mates on Saturday night, and had one of the best cheeseburgers I've ever had (comparing favourably to Byron and even Hawksmoor). Thought the prices were a bit high when we got there, but pound for pound it was good quality and good value. Steaks and ribs got good reviews from others there too.
As emailed to The Kings Arms
Yesterday evening my wife and I were in the Kings Arms for a quick meal. The music was so overpowering that we had to shout at each other to be heard. We mentioned this to one of the waitresses/bar staff and were told there was a DJ. Once we had raised the issue, the two tables beside us also complained. The music continued at the same level and we left to go elsewhere - we advised the friends who were going to join us in The Kings Arms that we had gone to The Bridge Lounge where although it was Friday evening and the bar was extremely busy, the music volume level did not force customers to yell until their throats were raw.

For information, a DJ is by definition any muppet with an iPod.

We will not be returning to The Kings Arms, ever.
Ribs, Rump & Rhythm
If you are feeling peckish in Shad Thames on a Tuesday evening, the full rack of barbequed ribs or rump steak are £7.95 each including chips and always hits the spot. I have been dining there occasionally over the past year, and have not been disappointed. Service very good & friendly - perhaps they now recognise me! A great local pub with a nice selection of wines, plus the resident DJ Miss Moneypenny welcomes playlists from punters' iPods so the music is always interesting!

I have also been for Sunday roast which was very nice. When I could not decide between beef, lamb, chicken or nut roast, the Kings Arms offered me a bit of all 4 choices on my plate! That was a nice touch.

No connection, just a satisfied customer.

Most Enjoyable!
Having just been relocated at Tooley Street I though I'd give this a go as the reviews were a bit conflicted. I went there with a friend for lunch on a Monday. The place was very quiet and we were served very quickly. I had the gourmet burger which was good but looked a little lonely on the plate with only the chips (hand cut) but no salad or garnish. However it tasted great and was filling. My friend had the ½ rack of baby back ribs and 4 peri-peri chicken wings which came in a far more impressive presentation. The ribs were excellent and managed to avoid that soused-in-bbq-sauce-at-the-end which a lot of places seem to do. The chicken wings were so large and meaty it was closer to chicken legs. My friend was actually unable to finish the food - which is rare.

We used a Taste London card which made the food 2 for the price of 1 which made it very affordable for what we had £6.50 + drinks. Otherwise the burger was about £9 - a little pricey and the ribs and chicken was £12 which was probably about right for what you got.

Apparently it's very busy on a Friday - it was suggested that we pre-book but personally I like it when it's quiet.

The Kings Arms Rules!!
I recently visited the Kings Arms on Tooley Street as recommended by a number of my friends.
The pub itself is fab, amazing decor, quirky furnture with old style lamps that make you feel cosy.

The food is excellent and although the pub was packed the bar staff served everyone accordingly and were polite and apologetic for any delay.

Loved it and will definately be visiting again not only for the good atmosphere but also for the very cute barman with the 118 moustache!

The Kings Arms Rules!

Incredibly rude staff
The King's Arms has great decor, the food is ok, and the atmosphere is good. However, the staff are appallingly rude. They don't bother to notice people who have been waiting ages at the bar, serving newcomers instead. I waited 15 minutes, and the place was only half-full. When I finally managed to catch the bartender's eye and asked (very politely) why I had been kept waiting, I was met with a barrage of aggression from not just him but the other bartender as well. Absolutely no hint of apology, or even understanding of the frustration that poor bar service can cause. I shall certainly not be bothering to attempt to spend my money in there again.
Lovely, warm, great food and people
For many years this was a pub that I would cross the road to avoid. It received a much-needed face-lift and, I think a change of ownership, and is now a really funky, yet relaxed pub that serves great food. Quirky furniture, and dark, burgundy walls give a warm atmosphere.

There is a short wine list, but with a good selection. Food-wise - their 'signature' dish is their Gourmet Burgers. Organic meat, home-made, with a variety of toppings (Welsh Rarebit & bacon, Harissa etc), and fat chips. The best burgers around. Pork Noisette on a bed of creamy mash is really juicy and full of flavour, and on sunday there is the usual Roast options.

I almost hasitate to comment on this pub - as it's busy already, and I don't want it to get into Time Out etc, and go the way of the Garrison (no disrespect - but it's on the tourist route now...)

The King's Arms
Having been here a few times, I have found the quality of the food and the value for money very consistent. Too bad the kitchen closes as early as 21:00.

Very friendly staff and quick service.

Where an establishment has changed hands or rebranded, reviews on this page may refer to a previous operator of the same premises.

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