The Rose and Crown, Orpington

My local.

Interesting to read some comments of another poster and fairly accurate IMO.

I like this pub, but then we all have a little soft spot for our locals and tend to overlook some of the bad bits.

The food is good although I don't like the restaurant area, it is a bit too "plastic". The bar side is nicely done and not quite so false as a S&L.

This is a one off in terms of ownership, it really is a freehouse.

Friday nights are busy and Sunday lunchtimes in the summer are heaving. The beer garden is huge with bouncy castles (tucked at the back) for the kids and a little play area. Very family friendly.

Weekend lunches in the summer are when this place really does come into it's own.

17 Jan 2006 22:27

The Change of Horses, Farnborough

No doubt about it, this is a locals local.

I found the staff to be pleasant enough although it took a little time to get served. The landlord was a friendly fella.

The decor feels like a bit of a throw back to the late 70's, even though I wasn't old enough to experience pubs back then.

Although it's not a great boozer I've experienced worse, much much worse.

My brother loved it, he said it felt like a real pub. Personally I'm not so sure but I wouldn't shy away from another beer in there.

I've yet to try the one over the road though.

17 Jan 2006 22:22

The Poachers Inn, Piddletrenthide

This is a beautiful pub. Some traditionalists may well hate it, but for me it has a lot going for it.

An old building that has obviously been refurbished. It has a restaurant area, a "traditional" pub area and a modern mezzanie (sp) area. Our other halves loved sitting in the modern area whilst the boys were happy propping up the bar.

This place must come alive in the summer with the small garden and stream at the back of the pub.

The food came recommended although we weren't there to eat.

Good friendly staff and a decent selection of beer.

17 Jan 2006 22:17

The Piddle Inn, Piddletrenthide

Nice pleasant pub with very friendly helpful staff.

They went out of their way to help us out.

Good selection of beers, good food (take out if you want it), the chef is a looney (in a good way).

I'll go back if I end up the area again

17 Jan 2006 22:07

The Bulls Head, Pratt's Bottom

This pub has gone through a number of landlords over the last 10 years or so but appears to have hit gold with the current incumbent.

It feels like a real pub, a bit of a rarity in this area. Not sure about the ales as I'm no CAMRA "expert". There are theme nights held regularly, popular with locals and the odd outsider, like myself.

Decent boozer, pleasant atmosphere, good staff, good pub food (well portioned).

17 Jan 2006 22:01