The Old Apple Tree, pool in Peckham

Photo: CAMRA WhatPub

The Old Apple Tree: Pool & Snooker in Peckham, London

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107 Sumner Road, Peckham, London · SE15 6JU · Mo-Sa 11:00-23:00; Su 12:00-23:00

A proper old-school Peckham boozer on a Sumner Road side street, going since 1871, and a good shout if you want a free game of pool without booking anything. It suits people after a no-frills local: dark wood-panelled main bar, a separate games room on the right with a pool table and two dartboards, and a big front patio that comes into its own in summer.

The most useful thing to know is that the pool lives in its own room, so you can play without fighting through the main bar. Sport is part of the furniture here, with footie on the telly and horse racing taking priority. There's no cask ale and no food, so come for the pool, the pints and the patio rather than a meal.

The pool setup

The pool table sits in a separate room to the right of the main bar, sharing the space with two dartboards and its own small stretch of bar counter. That means you get a bit of room to play away from the main drinking crowd, which is handy on a busy night. It is a single table, so on weekends or when sport is on you may need to wait your turn. There is no booking system and no online sign-up, so put your coins down and join the queue the old-fashioned way.

Good to know

This is a wet-led pub, so expect pints rather than plates. There is no food served and, at last check, no cask ale, so it is beer, lager and spirits to keep you going. The big front patio is the draw in warmer months and fills up fast on sunny afternoons. Sport runs throughout the day with football on the screens and horse racing taking precedence, so it is a lively, traditional spot rather than a quiet one. Cash for the table is worth bringing.

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Common questions

What is The Old Apple Tree?
It is a traditional Peckham pub at 107 Sumner Road, SE15 6JU, going since 1871, with a main wood-panelled bar, a separate games room and a large front patio.
Is pool free at The Old Apple Tree?
It is listed as free to play, with no booking required. Bring coins in case the table is a paid coin-op on the day.
Do I need to book or can I just walk in?
Just walk in. There is no booking system for the pool table, so you put your money down and wait your turn.
How many pool tables are there?
There is one pool table, set in a separate games room along with two dartboards.
Does it serve food?
No. It is a wet-led pub with no food served, so come for drinks, pool and the patio.
What are the opening hours?
Monday to Saturday 11:00 to 23:00 and Sunday 12:00 to 23:00.

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