Myself and Cowgirl Kim got a down-home welcome when we walked through the saloon doors of Fabal Beerhall on Friday night for Ron’s Honky Tonk. We were there before the show began, but country music was already pumping out from the speakers, building up a buzz rarely seen in SE1, writes Michael Holland.
We qualified for the free pint of Fabal lager with the £7 ticket, but I knew this monthly event, run by Ron’s Honky Tonk, is connected to the Hiver Brewery, famed for their award-winning beer that has honey as an ingredient, which makes for a far smoother ride, so I had one of those sweet things.
Rosalind, one of Hiver Beers’ finest, said, ‘It’s a bit different from the usual pub gig: stripped-back sets from touring country acts, a proper Nashville-honky-tonk atmosphere, and it’s become a genuine grassroots fixture for the UK country scene, right here in Bermondsey… If you’re after a country music night in London that isn’t a novelty line-dancing bar, Ron’s Honky Tonk is the real thing. It’s a monthly Friday residency on the Bermondsey Beer Mile, bringing live country sets from genuine UK country talent to a proper beerhall setting. It’s fun, lively, and a chance to start the weekend by getting your dancing boots on.’
And I believed her. Already there was a stomp of cowboy boots on the floor as music fans made their way past to get closer to the stage. And there was a fine line in Stetsons.
First up and in the spotlight was Mikey Davies, a young singer-songwriter who performs his own stuff, inspired by artists such as Zach Bryan. This is Mikey’s second Ron’s Honky Tonk because Ron says, ‘After hearing him perform at the last one, I just had to have him back.’
Mikey looked like he drove big trucks across the United States, but his songs were soft, from the heart, and self-penned. He displayed a true dedication to his craft.
After a well-received set, Mikey made way for Lauren Claire Townley, another singer-songwriter who stepped on the stage with Stetson, boots, and rhinestones that turned her into a moving, grooving glitter ball that highlighted her bright, country-pop sound that the crowd loved.
Lauren also paid homage to one of the absolute queens of country, Dolly Parton, who sadly passed away this week. Lauren’s version of I Will Always Love You had a few people shedding a tear.
Topping the bill tonight was Ned Moss, a truly accomplished guitarist, whose lyrical music has the feel of folk, British Americana, and Bluegrass. Around the stage, the heads were bopping, the excitement levels were rising, the audience were enjoying a night of grassroots UK Country and they were loving it.
Rosalind fought her way back to the bar area for a last word: ‘Ron’s Honky Tonk has built its name supporting the UK country scene — think touring singer-songwriters and bands playing honest sets, not a covers act. Every date brings a different line-up, so regulars keep coming back.’
We’ll be back.
Put the remaining dates for 2026 in your diary: 25th Sept, 30th Oct, and 27th Nov. That gives me time to get kitted out properly.
Fabal Beerhall, Arch 88, Druid Street, Bermondsey, SE1 2HQ.
£7 entry on the door. Anyone in before 7:30pm gets a free pint of Fabal lager,
Details: https://www.ronshonkytonk.com/event-details/rons-honky-tonk-x-fabal-beerhall-2026-08-28-19-00
