Conveniently just a short stroll from Waterloo station, The Duke of Sussex is a fine example of a 1920s local – a typical boozer from long-defunct London brewers Truman, Hanbury & Buxton – which is now part of the Hippo Inns family.
The pub now sports en vogue light fixtures and shabby-chic furniture, but there are a few nods to the building’s heritage, including fascinating framed newspaper reports in the cosy rear dining room of long-forgotten front-page splashes.
The bar stocks various beers on tap, alongside an impressive selection of spirits and over 20 wines by the glass at fair prices. When it comes to dining at The Duke of Sussex, expect a charming blend of old and new, with old-school bar snacks such as a black pudding Scotch egg found alongside roasted red pepper hummus served with toasted ciabatta for dipping.
More substantial options from the menu include fish and chips with tartare sauce and mushy peas, or the signature Hippo Burger: a mountain of beef patty, cheddar, crispy smoked bacon, red onion marmalade, fried dill pickle and Hippo burger sauce (fries too, naturally). Sweet-toothed diners will find plenty to love in the pudding selection, which features a s’more chocolate brownie with vanilla ice cream and chocolate ‘soil’, while those who prefer savoury delights can order the cheese board, exclusively made up of British varieties and served alongside chutney and crackers.
Children are welcome at The Duke of Sussex, as evidenced by the succinct menu of meals for little ones, which includes bangers and mash and a child-friendly portion of fish and chips. On the weekends, the outdoor terrace comes alive (especially in warm weather), while you can also find joy indoors thanks to The Duke’s epic range of Sunday roasts - think half a roast chicken or a roast rump of beef served with veg, Yorkshire pudding, cauliflower cheese gratin, roast potatoes and lashings of gravy.