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Franklins is being sold

BrandNewGuy
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BrandNewGuy

BrandNewGuy

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2 hours ago, NewWave said:

Oh! I love Franklins! Its always a really reliable lovely place to eat.

I sincerely hope it does'nt change too much and they retain the team

Both your hopes will be fine, I think. Our waitress will stay on. The downstairs is getting refurbished, and the bar area enlarged, presumably by removing that awkward little 'lobby' by the loos.

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EDulwich_4

EDulwich_4

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I am always really surprised by the glowing reviews of Franklins. Not sure whether it was once very good, and so it is just somewhere that is now remembered as that and thought of fondly by those who have known it since its opening all those years ago?

As someone who has lived in the area for a few years now, and having tried it a few times (mostly as a result of the positive reviews), I have always been pretty disappointed. The food has always been average for the price point, and last time we visited we waited about 40 minutes to place an order. Hopefully whoever buys it can make improvements - it would be great to have a reliable pub on the lane that serves good food (similar to the Kerfield or Camberwell Arms, etc.)!

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Sue

Sue

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4 hours ago, EDulwich_4 said:

I am always really surprised by the glowing reviews of Franklins. Not sure whether it was once very good, and so it is just somewhere that is now remembered as that and thought of fondly by those who have known it since its opening all those years ago?

As someone who has lived in the area for a few years now, and having tried it a few times (mostly as a result of the positive reviews), I have always been pretty disappointed. The food has always been average for the price point, and last time we visited we waited about 40 minutes to place an order. Hopefully whoever buys it can make improvements - it would be great to have a reliable pub on the lane that serves good food (similar to the Kerfield or Camberwell Arms, etc.)!

We have been going to Franklins for many years.

On the whole we have found both the food and service extremely good,  and good value for money, but there have been one or two low points, including unfortunately a very expensive but disappointing  meal with friends which I was paying for.

I think it may depend on who is in the kitchen.

We had a really excellent meal from their Christmas menu before Christmas this year, which for the quality of the food and cooking we didn't feel was expensive at all.

I think it would be a real shame if it was turned into a pub. It isn't that kind of place. That's why we like it.

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the_hermit

the_hermit

Posted
Posted (edited)
12 minutes ago, Sydney Carton said:

I remember that basement when it was a swinger's club

It failed.  He just kept throwing his own keys in the bowl and pretending to be surprised when he had to drive himself home.

Edited by the_hermit
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first mate

first mate

Posted
Posted
On 25/02/2026 at 21:20, Sue said:

We have been going to Franklins for many years.

On the whole we have found both the food and service extremely good,  and good value for money, but there have been one or two low points, including unfortunately a very expensive but disappointing  meal with friends which I was paying for.

I think it may depend on who is in the kitchen.

We had a really excellent meal from their Christmas menu before Christmas this year, which for the quality of the food and cooking we didn't feel was expensive at all.

I think it would be a real shame if it was turned into a pub. It isn't that kind of place. That's why we like it.

Completely agree. We have enough pubs in the area. Franklins is more like a restaurant with a small bar. The hope is that it is not changed too much. If it ain't broken... as the saying goes.

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Jah Lush

Jah Lush

Posted
Posted

Was a regular haunt of mine for many years and had a lot of fun times in there and some marvellous food down the years. Though, admittedly I spent most of my time in there doing some serious boozing. In recent times I've been a less frequent visitor to this fine establishment.
I seriously hope it doesn't change too much. It's always had a good vibe in there and that's down to Tim and Rod and all of the staff who have worked there over the past 26 years.

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BrandNewGuy

BrandNewGuy

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Just to repeat the news I was given – it's not being converted into a pub. As far as I know, there's no intention of dumbing down their restaurant offering. 

Although as others have pointed out, Camberwell has two pubs – The Camberwell Arms and now the Michelin-starred Kerfield Arms – with excellent food. The Palmerston used to be the only pub in ED that was of such quality, but sadly no longer IMHO. 

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Sue

Sue

Posted
Posted
14 hours ago, Festy said:

A few of you have mentioned the Palmerston .

I think you’ll be pleased when you find out who’s the new boss.

 

So when will we find out? Is it going to be a big reveal on some specified day?

If not, why can't you tell us now?!

(I'm presuming you mean the new boss of Franklins. It would be too much to hope for that the Palmerston had a miraculous return to one of its better past incarnations.

Never mind the food, they could bring back the lovely quirky painted column things of over twenty (?) years ago, and remove the hideous "art" that has sadly been installed.

I feel really sorry for the staff, because it can't be just my partner and I who rarely go there any more.

I suppose the only hope is that it does so badly that it changes hands again and that the new hands have better taste.

Sorry, all off topic.)

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      Franklins is being sold

      By Sue · Posted

      So when will we find out? Is it going to be a big reveal on some specified day? If not, why can't you tell us now?! (I'm presuming you mean the new boss of Franklins. It would be too much to hope for that the Palmerston had a miraculous return to one of its better past incarnations. Never mind the food, they could bring back the lovely quirky painted column things of over twenty (?) years ago, and remove the hideous "art" that has sadly been installed. I feel really sorry for the staff, because it can't be just my partner and I who rarely go there any more. I suppose the only hope is that it does so badly that it changes hands again and that the new hands have better taste. Sorry, all off topic.)

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