Herne Tavern, East Dulwich

A beautifully preserved example of inter-war pub-fitting. The original building is Victorian but it was given a thorough remodelling in the 1930s and this work is cherished by the current owners who offer a good balance between drinking and dining. The window glass tells us that the front left-hand room was the public bar, while the right-hand one was the saloon lounge. The glass is a lovely survivor with clear, textured panes enlivened by others with mottled green glass. There is a third room behind the public bar: both these left-hand rooms have wall panelling and attractive, original tiled fireplaces. In recent times an opening has been made between the public and saloon/lounge so that the rooms are connected internally.

The saloon lounge, extended out from the Victorian pub, has an interesting rounded termination and a very individual red-brick fireplace which is a complete contrast to the others. The bar counters and back fittings are original but quite conventional: the latter, on the saloon lounge side, appears to have had a dumb waiter (currently occupied by wine bottles). There are attractive black and white 'mosaic' tiles around the front of the bar counter in both bars. Don’t miss the quite delightful 1930s chairs in the saloon lounge with their sides made of solid boards and their upward-sweeping arm rests.