Rarely these days does a pub take my breath away but The Brookmill managed it.

A short saunter from St John’s station or a slightly longer (but worthwhile) schlep from New Cross, this recently re-opened boozer is a stunner.

It sits handsomely on a suburban corner and once inside it is immediately obvious you are somewhere special.

Vast windows bathe the airy interior in light with well-spaced tables on the wood floor and an imposing bar to one side.

Its obvious refurbishment has been done very well indeed.

A few trendy young things were dotted around inside and out, having popped in for some lunchtime refreshment while a mum and baby and their friend sat wisely in the shade indoors.

Behind the bar, two fresh-faced smart members of staff were obliging and full of energy while the wares before them were enough to make your heart skip a beat – 15 gleaming pumps, each with a highly-tempting tipple.

Among them were local beers from Wimbledon Brewery, Gypsy Hill, Meantime, Belleville, Canopy and Brockley. What an astounding collection.

The food menu was small and tempting and, opting for the Cumberland sausage and mash, I was confronted with a dish that looked almost like an artwork and flavourwise was above ordinary too, even if it did come with kale. Am I the only one who can’t get my tastebuds around this foul green?

On a hot day, such as it was, a beer garden was a must and The Brookmill’s was well in keeping with the high standards throughout the rest of the place.

A large area of decking with a canopy and benches is lifted with just sufficient colour from planters suspended from the walls, a few coloured tables and chairs and a back wall with a pastel-coloured spray paint design.

As you would expect from a place so immaculate, the Brookmill is not the cheapest pub in town but it wasn’t prohibitively expensive either. It’s just the sort of place I would be proud to call my local.

The Brookmill, Cranbrook Road, Deptford

How it rated:

Atmopshere ***** I felt totally at ease

Décor ***** Stunning

Staff **** Bright and friendly

Food **** Loses a star for kale

Drink ***** Exceptional

Price *** Not so bad

Like our What's On page on Facebook for entertainment news, interviews, reviews and features from across south London.