The General Napier Pub in Beckenham

73 Bovill Rd, London SE23 1EX

About This Pub

Oh, let me tell you about The General Napier – it's one of those pubs that just feels like a second home, run by a trio of mates who treat the place as their extended living room. From what I've gathered from the buzz around it, the staff go out of their way to make everyone feel welcome, and the food is a real highlight; that Sunday roast comes highly recommended and has folks coming back week after week for its homely charm. There's plenty to love about the vibe too – whether you're popping in for a pint in the beer garden, catching some live music, or even bringing the family and the dog along, it's got that inclusive, community feel that's hard to beat. On the downside, it's not exactly in the heart of the action; it's in a quiet spot that might take a bit of effort to get to, and while the beers are solid, they're not going to wow you with rock-bottom prices. Still, if you're after a genuine, unpretentious spot to unwind with good company and a decent meal, this one's a gem – I'd say it's well worth a visit for anyone in the area looking for that perfect local haunt.

Pros and Cons

Pros

The staff are incredibly friendly and welcoming, making you feel right at home from the moment you walk in.
The food is fantastic, especially the Sunday roast – it's one of the best I've tried in London, perfect for a hearty meal.
It's a real community spot, with a welcoming vibe for families and dogs, plus extras like a beer garden and live music to keep things lively.
They've got great facilities including TNT Sports, Sky Sports, and a dartboard, so there's always something to enjoy whether you're watching a game or just chatting.

Cons

It's tucked away in a quiet residential area, which means it's not the easiest to reach if you're not local – expect a bit of a walk from the station.
Beer prices are okay but nothing special, so if you're hunting for the cheapest pints in town, you might want to look elsewhere.
As a proper local pub, it might feel a tad understated if you're after something more buzzing or touristy – it's more for settling in with the regulars than a wild night out.

Contact Information

73 Bovill Rd, London SE23 1EX

+447949708212

Pub

Closed today

Opening Hours

Monday	12:00 - 22:00
Tuesday	12:00 - 23:00
Wednesday	12:00 - 23:00
Thursday	12:00 - 23:00
Friday	12:00 - 00:00
Saturday	12:00 - 00:00
Sunday (Today)	12:00 - 22:30

Location

Recent Reviews

Friendly staff and okay beer prices. Very good a local boozer. I'd definitely treat this as a local. Probably not a tourist attraction unless you're looking for a Millwall pub that's not too close to the ground 😉 Child and Dog friendly place.

Dave Beauclerr

Lovely local pub with fantastic food. The staff and customers made us feel so at home. This is going to be a regular for Sunday lunch and more.

Roger

A very welcoming pub - I just started going a few weeks back and I've been made to feel like a regular. Sunday roast is top notch, all staff very friendly as are the punters. Would definitely recommend!

Matt Fallon

I love ‘the Nap’. For me, it’s the best roast we have found in London. It’s a lovely homely pub with great people

Emer Lee

🚇 Honor Oak Park 🍺 £6.50 Madri The General Napier is located in a quiet residential street in Forest Hill. The nearest station is Honor Oak Park, it’s a ten minute walk to get here. This pub was built in 1871 and is named after General Sir Charles James Napier who served in the British Army between 1794–1851. In July 2022 this pub was taken over by new owners, extensively refurbished and given a new lease of life. This is a one bar pub that is traditionally decorated with some fantastic film, music and beer memorabilia. The servery is located on the back wall and has a solid wood counter and decorative panels. There is an eclectic mix of seating including armchairs, sofas and stools around the bar. To right of the entrance is a dartboard, either side of the servery are a couple of large screens for watching a match. At the back of the pub is a cosy beer garden which has its own little snug. There are also some benches located at the front of the pub. The beer selection was solid and included standard, premium, cask and No & Lo options. I decided on a Madri, my pint was great, price point was above average. The food is a selection of small plates like chicken wings, pork belly bites and chilli beef loaded fries, most plates cost around £7. On Sundays roasts take centre stage, all roasts are £16, the reviews are glowing. I arrived at 12pm on a warm Saturday lunchtime in May. There were a few locals sat at the bar and a couple sat outside at the front. The atmosphere was laidback and relaxed with a local pub feel. I had a lovely chat with the owners who were welcoming and friendly. This pub hosts regular Karaoke, Bingo and Live Music nights, for footy fans there are live games shown on Sky and TNT. Sometimes when I head off the beaten track, I come across some amazing hidden gems, @the_general_napier is one such pub. I loved the local vibe and how they engage the local community. The decor is vibrant and fun, the beer is on point and the food is well celebrated. This is a superb boozer and well worth the pilgrimage. ℹ️ Info correct on visiting 04.05.24

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