The Birds Nest, pool in Deptford

Photo: Tripadvisor

The Birds Nest: Pool & Snooker in Deptford, London

Free entryWalk-inLive musicSingle tableLocals' pub

32 Deptford Church Street, London · SE8 4RZ · Mo-Th 13:00-23:00; Fr-Sa 13:00-01:00; Su 13:00-23:00

The Birds Nest is a one-room locals' pub on Deptford Church Street, the kind of place where live music runs most of the week and the room fills up with a mixed, slightly bohemian crowd. It is best known for gigs Thursday to Sunday and an open mic on Wednesday, with cheap pints, a daily food menu and a battered pool table that regulars keep busy. If you want a low-key Deptford pub where you can grab a game between bands rather than a dedicated pool hall, this is the spot.

It sits a short walk from Deptford Bridge DLR, with outdoor seating out front. Expect punk, ska, blues and folk on the bill, and a friendly, walk-in feel rather than anything polished.

The pool setup

Pool here is a bar amenity, not the main event. There is a single table in the room that regulars are protective of, so it can be in demand on busy gig nights. Listings vary on whether it is always in place, so if a game is the whole reason you are coming, it is worth a quick call to the pub first on 020 8692 1928. Treat it as a casual knockabout between sets rather than a serious cue-sports trip, and do not expect multiple tables or a dedicated pool area.

Good to know

Entry to the pub is free and you walk in, no booking. Live music runs Thursday to Sunday with an open mic on Wednesday, spanning punk, ska, blues, folk and alt-rock, plus monthly art shows in the upstairs Undercurrents Gallery. There is a daily food menu with the likes of Thai pumpkin soup, Greek salad, chilli con carne, a chickpea and spinach curry and burgers, all keenly priced. Pints are cheap by London standards. Friday and Saturday the bar stays open until 1am.

Getting there

You are a short walk from Deptford Bridge DLR, with Deptford mainline station also nearby. There is outdoor seating at the front, partly covered, which is handy on a warm evening or when the room is packed for a gig. It is an easy add-on if you are already out around Deptford or Greenwich.

Get directions

Common questions

What is The Birds Nest?
It is a one-room locals' pub on Deptford Church Street known for live music, cheap pints, a daily food menu and a casual pool table in the bar.
Is The Birds Nest free to get into?
Yes, entry to the pub is free and you just walk in. There is no door charge for the bar, though some gigs may ask for a contribution.
Does The Birds Nest have a pool table?
It has a single pool table in the bar that regulars keep busy. Listings differ on whether it is always in place, so call ahead on 020 8692 1928 if a game is your main reason for going.
Do you need to book?
No, it is walk-in. Just turn up, though it gets busy on gig nights from Thursday to Sunday.
What are the opening hours?
Monday to Thursday and Sunday it is open 1pm to 11pm, and Friday and Saturday 1pm to 1am.
What is the nearest station?
Deptford Bridge DLR is a short walk away, with Deptford mainline station also nearby.

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