212 Railton Rd, London SE24 0JT

About This Pub

Ah, The Commercial, tucked away in Herne Hill – it's one of those pubs that really captures that classic British charm, with its exposed brick walls, warm wooden touches, and those enviable beer gardens that make you want to linger for hours. From what I've gathered from the buzz around it, the food is a real highlight; imagine tucking into a perfectly cooked steak sandwich or some crispy calamari that's got people raving, especially when it's done just right by the kitchen team. The drinks selection is another plus, offering up craft beers and cocktails that rotate with the seasons, plus a reliably good Guinness that pairs nicely with the vibe. It's in such a handy spot too, just a stone's throw from Brixton and other local gems, making it dead easy to drop in after a wander. But, let's be honest, it's not all sunshine and roses – some have had issues with beers that taste watered down or lines that could do with a clean, and the place can look a bit worn around the edges, with reports of dirty glasses that might make you hesitate. Prices can feel a tad steep for a couple of pints, and experiences vary; one night it might be buzzing and brilliant, the next a bit lacklustre. Still, with a solid 4.2 rating from heaps of reviews, it's clear this spot has its loyal fans, and I'd say it's worth a visit if you're in the area – just go in with an open mind and maybe start with a cheeky pint to test the waters. All in all, it's a solid choice for a relaxed meal or drink with friends, as long as you're prepared for that mix of the good and the not-so-good that comes with a proper local pub.

Pros and Cons

Pros
  • The food here is spot on – think delicious steak sandwiches and classic pub grub like fish and chips that hit the spot every time.
  • It's got that cosy, characterful vibe with exposed brick, warm woods, and not one but two beer gardens, perfect for a relaxed afternoon or evening out.
  • Location is brilliant, right in the heart of Herne Hill, close to spots like Brixton Village and the O2 Academy, making it easy to pop in after exploring.
  • Drinks menu is pretty solid, with rotating craft beers and seasonal cocktails that keep things interesting, and a good pint of Guinness to boot.
  • Overall, it's a welcoming spot with a homely atmosphere that's great for laid-back lunches or fun nights with mates.
Cons
  • Some folks have mentioned the beers tasting a bit off, like they're watered down or the lines aren't cleaned properly, which is a shame for a local pub.
  • The place can look a tad run-down on first glance, and there have been complaints about dirty glasses, which might put you off if you're after a pristine setting.
  • Prices seem a bit steep for what you get sometimes, like splashing out £14.50 for two pints, which might not feel worth it if the experience isn't top-notch.
  • It's not always consistent – one visit might be brilliant, but another could leave you wanting more in terms of service or overall vibe.
  • Opening hours are fairly standard, but with varying closing times, it might not suit late-night plans every day of the week.

Contact Information

212 Railton Rd, London SE24 0JT
+442077338783
Pub
Opens at 12:00

Opening Hours

Monday12:00 - 23:00
Tuesday12:00 - 23:00
Wednesday (Today)12:00 - 23:00
Thursday12:00 - 00:00
Friday12:00 - 01:00
Saturday12:00 - 01:00
Sunday12:00 - 22:30

Location

Recent Reviews

This pub has also the potential to be so good but sadly isn’t. Beers taste watered down? Or maybe they just don’t clean the lines. Would recommend any other pub in Herne Hill. It’s good if you just want a beer but it’s lacking in every other area. £14.50 for two pints of Peckham pale - a local beer?
RS
Rory S-J
Went for lunch with a mate, ordered the steak sandwich with fries and have to say, best steak i’ve had ever, and it was in a sandwich. Came out medium rare as asked and was perfect. Believe the chef Jay cooked it so big thumbs up to him, good pint of Guinness as well.
SC
Sarah CF
Food wa pukka, dead nice, realllly nice it. Drinks went down us gulliver real slick annd enjoyable. Also int the universe mad, all the planets n that lol! Some lass had a massssive hound in there, absolute unit but dead friendly, 10/10 would stroke again . Thanks enjoyed it xxx
CC
Cass Castle
🚇 Herne Hill 🍺 £6.35 Pravha The Commercial is nestled amongst a row of shops opposite Herne Hill station in South London. The nearest station is Herne Hill mainline. This pub was originally built in 1878 as was known as The Commercial Hotel. The pub was remodelled in 1938 in a Neo Georgian style and was one of at least 5,000 pubs which were built or rebuilt by breweries in England during the inter-war years. This is a good size one bar pub that has two adjoining rooms. The main bar is located on the left and stretches a fair way back. The servery is located on the right and retains its original counter and bar-back. In front of the servery is a rare find, the remnants of an old chequered spittoon. The walls are painted in bold bright colours and there is plenty of seating throughout. To access the room on the right, you walk past some classic 1930’s poser tables and through a beautiful glazed panelled partition. This room has exposed brick walls, a stylish interwar fireplace, is subtly decorated and unusually has a view of the bar back. At the rear of the pub is a secluded beer garden, there is also seating at the front to people watch. The beer choice consists of familiar favourites, some local London brews and cask ales. I kept it simple and ordered a Pravha, my pint was great, a bit lively, price point was a smidge above average. There is a classic pub grub menu if you’re hungry, Fish & Chips costs £18, roasts are available on Sundays. I arrived just after 1pm on a sunny Saturday lunchtime in September. The pub was fairly busy with a good mix of punters, most of which were here for a beer and watching the West Ham v Chelsea game on the screens around the pub. The atmosphere was laidback and relaxed, there was a lovely local vibe to this pub, so settling in was easy. The service was excellent, I was served by an upbeat member of the team who was all smiles and courteous. What a fantastic establishment this pub is. The location, the beautiful original interwar decor, the decent beer choice and the welcoming atmosphere all made for a thoroughly enjoyable pub experience. I would 100% recommend a visit to @thecommercialse24 , this is a great place for a pint. 📅 21st September 2024 More London Pub info @londonpubmap 🍻
LP
London Pub Map
When first arriving at The Commercial pub, I was very unimpressed, the pub itself looks pretty run down and not particularly clean. The glasses that our drinks came in were pretty dirty too. Food wise I tried the crispy calamari, fish & chips and also bangers and mash. The food was actually very very good. All three dishes were delicious, I have no complaints concerning the food. The bangers and mash was particularly tasty, I was a big fan of the clotted cream mash.
YK
Yasmin Kane

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