Healthy mix at The Beehive

Times and pubs are changing, even in deepest Kennington. The Beehive was once, apparently, a classic back-street drinker. It's a pity, but we never caught it in that incarnation, but in its latest form its still a pub we recommend.

Whereas many pubs that change hands and take the gastro route lose their traditional clientele, the Beehive is an exception and is still popular with the older locals. It makes for a healthy mix of customers: there's room enough for parents with three-wheeled buggies and old boys who still sport a shirt and tie when they go for a drink.

The Beehive has a refurbished - though hardly transformed - interior, with a central island bar selling the usual beers as well as a decent range of wines and spirits. A variety of snacks and meals are chalked up here if you're hungry, though on our visit the majority of the pub's customers were sticking to their drinks. An impressive place - more so given the pub's location - the Beehive is a fine example of how to rejig a pub, bring in new customers but still keep your old regulars happy.

NEAREST STATION: Kennington station
FEATURES: outdoor seating

The Beehive Bar
60-62 Carter Street, SE17 3EW