Does anybody know what was going on around the station about 1030 last night? Police car and several police at the station underpass by Smiths (which appeared to be blocked off) with a crowd of youths as well as police cars blocking off both entrances to Perry Vale from the South Circular. Another crowd of youths lined up against the wall just after the railway bridge on the South Circular appeared to being searched by more police and supervised by barking police dogs. There also seemed to be a lot of police car activity around some of the nearby streets as well.

I believe it all stemmed from a large party at The Malt Shovel (or Questions as it is now known)

A South London Press placard reads "Man shot outside FH pub".

Is there a connection?

Check the last line of this article:
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories...-20736863/

I think that related to an incident outside the Forest Hill Tavern see thread on East Dulwich forum http://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/forum/...321,page=3

Ah so BD was right after all. This pub, which when I first moved to SE23 was frightening, cleaned up it's act and turned briefly into a nice local. Where you could have a beer, watch footy without it being too imposing, have a chat with a stranger without being threatened etc. Comments at the time was how good it was that they had kicked the dealers and other dodgy geezers out. Yes it sounds utopian and of course it couldn't last. And it didn't as nice people like BD don't bring enough money in.

One incident does not mean that any pub in Forest Hill is a no go area. The Question continues to be a nice place for a drink. I may not have been there for a couple of months but I don't think it has changed that much.

The only pub around Forest Hill in which I refuse to drink is the Moor Park Tavern, where it is impossible to get a drink due to its conversion into housing.

Are you saying that the Moor Park Tavern has closed? Good grief

Michael , I agree with your sentiments but would avoid Bird in Hand.

So you don't agree with his comments, Brian, is what you're trying to say?

I too noticed a large crowd of youths, about 2130 on Sunday, moving from the station up Dartmouth Road, as I was on my way to the Jolly Bee. They seemed to stop at the Barclays crossing, and get halfway across the road when some sort of argument broke out among them. They were gone when I re-emerged with my cod and chips, though there were occasional shouts audible from my Dartmouth Road residence over the following couple of hours.

Baboonery,..... agreeing with comments and sentiments are somewhat different. I understand Brian's comment, and too agree with Michael's sentiment.

Its always annoying to find out something like this has happened locally, but lets face facts, its really not THAT bad in FH. There are few areas these days that are trouble free.

We could always have all the buses re-routed so these troublesome people cant hop on a bus and come to sunny FH to cause trouble eh

Just to clarify I would be happy to try any pub in SE 23 with that one exception.
Over the years have tried them all many times.

In my humble opinion the best in SE 23 at the moment is The All Inn One on Perry Vale , followed by Hob ( at of peak times ). Tend to mostly drink now in Se 26 and SE20 but only because friends live there.

I did not see this incident and would agree as far as I can see isolated.

I dont drink alcohol, so in general pubs are wasted on me, but I do like a meal in a country pub once in a while

I went for a meal with my daughter one evening a couple of weeks ago to Questions and we were persistently bothered by a group of five well lubricated men. We were made to feel most uncomfortable because we did not wish to be 'chatted up' and couldn't wait to finish our meal and get away. It's such a shame because it is a very nicely decorated pub and the meal was good but we won't be going there again. I notice they seem to be offering an all-Jamaican menu now, with lots of Jamaican flags in the window. Does anyone know if this is a permanent menu?

Snazy, there's also a difference between 'understanding' and 'agreeing'.

Sad you felt hassled whilst eating , I have not been there for years but have had good reports about their food.

I dont think there was that issue there though. The comment was clear, they agreed with sentiment, but had another view. Rather than failed to understand what Michael was saying.

Baboonery, I admire your energy....but I don't know why you bother!

Sometimes it does get too much, thenutfield.

I'm new to FH having moved in about a month ago. I was in the Bird in Hand on Saturday and couldn't believe how quiet it was given how cheap it was.
Why is it to be avoided particularly? Does it just attract the wrong crowd?
Sorry for being a bit off topic.