Christoff.ai

Skehan's

bars•
London
London

Skehan's

1 Kitto Rd, London SE14 5TW, United Kingdom

Interactive map
Christoff

Christoff's Take

Insider review

Tucked away on Kitto Road in SE14, Skehan's has managed something remarkable - earning the title 'Best Pub in London' while maintaining its authentic local charm. This isn't your typical Irish pub, and that's precisely what makes it extraordinary.

Skehan's: The 'Best Pub in London' That Actually Lives Up to the Hype

Where Irish tradition meets Thai fusion in New Cross's most beloved boozer

My Honest Review

Atmosphere & Ambiance

Skehan's strikes that perfect balance between traditional Irish pub authenticity and modern social energy, scoring an impressive 8.5/10 for liveliness. The venue radiates genuine warmth with its wood-burning stove creating a cozy focal point that draws punters together naturally. Despite being casual in sophistication (3.5/10), there's an undeniable Instagram-worthy quality to the space that attracts a decidedly young crowd. The conversation-friendly atmosphere scores a stellar 9.5/10, making it effortless to strike up chats with locals and newcomers alike. Live music dominates six nights weekly, featuring everything from Irish folk sessions to jam nights and rock & roll evenings, creating an authentic pub experience that feels both timeless and thoroughly contemporary. The social group size rating of 9.0/10 reflects its popularity as a gathering spot, though this can work against you during peak times.

Food & Drink

The Thai-Irish fusion concept is where Skehan's truly distinguishes itself from London's saturated pub scene. This unique culinary marriage combines traditional pub expectations with quality Thai restaurant offerings from an attached kitchen, creating something genuinely special with a uniqueness score of 7.5/10. The Guinness pours as it should in any respectable Irish establishment, while the craft beer selection caters to more adventurous palates. The Thai fusion element isn't just a gimmick - it's a serious culinary commitment that elevates the entire experience beyond typical pub grub. However, specific details about menu items and food quality aren't available, so you'll need to trust in their reputation and the obvious care they've put into this unusual concept.

Service & Experience

Operating with a no-bookings policy, Skehan's maintains that authentic pub spontaneity that scores 7.0/10 for discovery factor. The staff clearly understand they're running something special, though specific service quality details aren't available from my visit data. The flexibility rating of 8.0/10 suggests a relaxed approach that lets the evening unfold naturally. However, the no-reservations system combined with the venue's popularity can create challenges - finding seating during peak times requires patience and perhaps a bit of strategic timing.

Value for Money

With a price level of just 1 out of 4, Skehan's delivers exceptional value that explains its local favorite status among the Gen Z crowd. You're getting award-winning pub credentials, live entertainment six nights weekly, unique Thai fusion cuisine, and that coveted authentic atmosphere without breaking the bank. The combination of quality Guinness, craft beers, and restaurant-standard Thai food at budget-friendly prices represents outstanding value in London's expensive hospitality landscape. This pricing strategy clearly contributes to its viral appeal and social proof among younger demographics.

Insider Tips

Best Time to Visit

Visit Monday through Thursday (2pm-11pm) for a more relaxed experience, or brave the weekend crowds (Saturday 12pm-12am, Sunday 12pm-11pm) for maximum energy. Friday extends to midnight and represents the sweet spot between weekday calm and weekend chaos.

What to Focus On

Start with a proper Guinness to honor the Irish tradition, then explore their craft beer selection. The Thai fusion offerings are clearly the unique draw here, though specific menu recommendations aren't available - trust in their award-winning reputation.

Christoff's Insider Tips

Hit up the Irish folk sessions for maximum social experience - it's genuinely the best way to connect with locals and unlock the full Skehan's experienceThe small beer garden fills quickly, so arrive early if outdoor seating is important to youFollow their Instagram @skehansfreehouse for live music schedules and special events

The Final Verdict

Skehan's has earned its 'Best Pub in London' title through a combination of authentic Irish pub atmosphere, innovative Thai fusion cuisine, and genuine community spirit. The live music program six nights weekly, wood-burning stove ambiance, and budget-friendly pricing create something genuinely special in New Cross. Yes, the no-bookings policy and popularity can make it challenging during peak times, but that's part of its authentic charm. This isn't a sanitized tourist trap - it's a real local favorite that happens to be excellent.

Christoff's Rating:
8.2/10

Perfect For:

Young professionals seeking authentic local experiencesMusic lovers who appreciate live folk and rock sessionsAdventurous diners curious about Thai-Irish fusion cuisine

Quick Details

1

Skehan's

🍺 Irish pub
🇹🇭 Thai fusion
🎵 Live music
⭐️ Local favorite
⭐️ Young crowd

Voted 'Best Pub in London', this traditional Irish pub creates the perfect fusion of authentic pub culture with consistent live music programming. Six nights weekly of live entertainment featuring Irish folk sessions, jam nights, and rock & roll evenings showcase both local talent and touring musicians in an intimate setting. The unique Thai-Irish fusion concept combines traditional pub atmosphere with quality restaurant food, creating an unexpected but successful combination. The welcoming atmosphere attracts a diverse crowd of locals and music lovers, while the no-bookings policy and small beer garden maintain an authentic, unpretentious feel that encourages spontaneous visits.

What's Great

✓ Live music six days a week featuring Irish folk and rock evenings

✓ Unique Thai-Irish fusion combining authentic pub atmosphere with quality food

Keep in Mind

× No-bookings policy and small beer garden make finding seating challenging during peak times

Christoff

Christoff's Tip:

Hit the Irish folk sessions for maximum social experience - the best way to connect with locals

Vibe check scores

Trendiness
Sophistication
Noise Level
Uniqueness

Venue details

🕐"Mon: 2pm-11pm, Tue-Thu: 2pm-11pm, Fri: 2pm-12am, Sat: 12pm-12am, Sun: 12pm-11pm"
📍1 Kitto Rd, London SE14 5TW, United Kingdom
💷££
🌐Website

Featured In My Guides

Skehan's has been featured in 1 of my curated guides. Here's where you can find more context and discover similar spots.

Where to Find Free Live Music in London Pubs: 2025 Guide reference image

Where to Find Free Live Music in London Pubs: 2025 Guide

live music venues in london•
Aug 23, 2025
← More bars in London← Explore all of London