The Old Nun’s Head on Nunhead Green, has been named the ‘best pub in London’ by Time Out’s annual 50 best pubs list.
Coined the ‘Old Nunny’ by staff and locals, the pub doubles as a cozy pub-restaurant and party venue, with queer DJ sets and events in their downstairs bar or upstairs function room.
The pub was given first place this year, taking the crown from last year’s winner, the Army & Navy in Dalston.
The Old Nunny was praised by Time Out for its eclectic mix of events, from speed-dating, drag king cabaret and nights like Pop-Up Dyke Bar.
If you are looking for a wholesome queer evening, they also have a lesbian book club and a chess club for all.
Time Out writes: “The Old Nun’s Head is incapable of standing still. In recent years it’s become south east London’s favourite unofficial queer venue, thanks to an array of campy entertainment.”
And it adds: “It might also be the only pub in London with a Britney Spears shrine.”
The Old Nun’s Head is not too far from 2023’s Time Out Pub of the Year, Skehan’s.
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The Old Nun’s Head gets its name from a former nunnery on the site, which was ordered to shut down by Henry VII during the Reformation. The Mother Superior, Elizabeth Barton, refused, and the King chopped off her head and put it on a spike on nearby Nunhead Green.
In a nod to their past, the team host regular ‘Nun-aoke’ karaoke nights on a Friday.
They serve food every day except Monday, with their much-loved ‘Fit Roasts’ available until they sell out every Sunday from 12pm.
You can expect to pay between £22 and £25 for a meat roast, with vegan and veggie options available too.
The team say that community is at the heart of the Old Nunny and they regularly fundraise to support local and queer charities.
You can find out what charity they are currently fundraising for at the bar, with instructions on how to donate.
The Old Nun’s Head, 15 Nunhead Green, London SE15 3QQ.
https://www.theoldnunshead.co.uk
There is no evidence whatsoever that there was a Convent at Nunhead, or that a Nun was beheaded by Henry VIII, there.
Old maps show a small Hamlet called Non Head, which may be why all these wild stories started to circulate, and given some sort of credence by the Landlords of the Pub over the years.
It may well be that land in Nunhead was owned by a Convent, as rich people, to pave their way to Heaven, often gave land to religious houses, such as Monastries and Convents.