Regarding acoustics in pubs, I haven't been to the Honor Oak but I think this is a deliberate design feature and would not been seen as a 'problem' by the interior designers, rather a virtue. If you strip out all soft furnishings and carpets as well as intervening walls for the design effect of a big bare 'trendy' space, you also get one big soundbox where everything is amplified - that's how acoustic musical instruments work after all. This isn't a drawback if you are a pub designer - the ensuing hubbub and raucous din is deemed to be sympomatic of a lively, 'happening' place, it is supposed to create the feeling that it is a venue alive with happy chatter and laughter, and an essential place to be. Most of the pubs in East Dulwich have the same effect and the Rose would also have the same racket in Forest Hill Rd if it had more clientele. London is full of such pubs. Noise is meant to equate with liveliness. I'm a bit mutton in one ear so it does nothing for me. The Blythe Hill Tavern down the road from the Honor Oak (well quite a long way down the road) is fully furnished and still has walls in it, and has the authentic sound of a cosy pub filled with chatter and banter yet you can still enjoy it and have a conversation yourself. It's authentic and true to itself and a comfortable environment to be in.