BITE user comments - TheDaleks
Comments by TheDaleks
Bromley's onlly gay pub is set to reopen in December apparently. I had a glimpse through the windows and the places looks fantastic. The new management say it will be a gay bar.
Lets hope we will see an ad in the local or gay press or on a new webiste of theirs announcing their grand opening party before Christmas. If they manage this place well it could be huge and a good alternative when not in mood to get on up into Soho.
4 Dec 2010 21:06
It is amazing the difference between the one in Bromley and Beckenham. The one in Bromley has such a good atmosphere and you feel so safe when inside. They have just done the place ap a bit too. It is strange tha tthe Beckenham one is apparently very rough when Beckenham is a very posh town. I have tried a lot of pubs over the years and many in London's West End. However the Bromley O'Neill's is one of my all time favourites.
12 Sep 2010 00:01
The George is now a restaurant and not a pub. It is 100% eating only and you can only get a pint if you stand at the bar (and stand out) or get a pint brought to your table. This is a shame as The George was a great pub. However it is an alternative to chain restaurants like Pizza Express, Nandos and Harvester (without a pub drinking area).
Hayes has lost one pub!
11 Sep 2010 23:42
Now you can see very large T.V. screens from every angle of the pub I feel like I should refer to it as a sports bar. The Bricklayers is a fantastic pub all round and is probably one of the best in Bromley. Great traditional pub interior, very nice staff, great atmosphere, the most innovative pub garden I have ever seen and good beer.
The only problem I have is with those T.V's. I realise pubs are doing all they can to attract customers, especially during the World Cup. However pubs should create a balance between sports lovers and people who just want to go for a pint and a good chat.
I think the screens should have been restricted to just one side of the pub. So if someone fancies a pint and who is not interested in sport can do so. That would be a fair compramise I think.
Saying that I did go to the pub last weekend. it was very quiet for a Saturday evening, but for some reason Bromley and Croydon very very quiet. It must have been the hot weather. Anyway, all the screens had been switched off.
I am sure they are on again now for Big Brother!
11 Jun 2010 17:22
Now you can see very large T.V. screens from every angle of the pub I feel like I should refer to it as a sports bar. The Bricklayers is a fantastic pub all round and is probably one of the best in Bromley. Great traditional pub interior, very nice staff, great atmosphere, the most innovative pub garden I have ever seen and good beer.
The only problem I have is with those T.V's. I realise pubs are doing all they can to attract customers, especially during the World Cup. However pubs should create a balance between sports lovers and people who just want to go for a pint and a good chat.
I think the screens should have been restricted to just one side of the pub. So if someone fancies a pint and who is not interested in sport can do so. That would be a fair compramise I think.
Saying that I did go to the pub last weekend. it was very quiet for a Saturday evening, but for some reason Bromley and Croydon very very quiet. It must have been the hot weather. Anyway, all the screens had been switched off.
I am sure they are on again now for Big Brother!
11 Jun 2010 17:22
This bar has been bought out by Cavendish bars and will be rebranded as Wahoo. An American bar and grill.
6 Feb 2010 18:36
this bar has been bought out by Cavendish bars and will be rebranded as Wahoo this year. It is basically an American version of Walkabout, but tackier.
6 Feb 2010 18:34
It will be turned into Wahoo Bar and Grill. Basically an American version of Walkabout, but tackier.
6 Feb 2010 18:31
The one in Bromley is so much better. I think Beckenham has become very popular over the last few years and is experiencing the trouble Bromley had a few years earlier. The pubs in Bromley seem to be a lot more chilled and laid back now compared to Beckenham.
6 Feb 2010 18:29
The one in Bromley is so much better. I think Beckenham has become very popular over the last few years and is experiencing the trouble Bromley had a few years earlier. The pubs in Bromley seem to be a lot more chilled and laid back now compared to Beckenham.
6 Feb 2010 18:29
It is now February and Walkabout is still here. From what I hear in the press is that it is definitely going to become Wahoo as will Walkabouts in Swindon and Brighton.
I did try it a few weeks ago thinking it would be rubbish and would be the last time before it closed. We were pleasantly surprised how good it was and at the end of the night we agreed it was the best place we could have gone.
6 Feb 2010 18:08
It is great that the couple running the pub are making an effort to make this pub work. Furthermore it is great to see that they have made the effort to inform us on this site.
I have been there a few times lately. The last time it was the busiest I have seen it since being redecorated. The refit looks good and it is pointing the pub in the right direction as being a traditional local pub. I think it could have gone much further though. The refit looks very nice but it lacks a memorable character. It now looks a bit like the kind of pub you would get attached with a Premier Inn or Travel Lodge. Trying so hard to be everything we want from a local pub. Perhaps the interior is too perfect. Odd refurbished second hand furniture could have helped perhaps.
I would stress that they get 3 good real ales on. But as usual the only ale available is the dull John's Smiths. If the pub got a good selection of real ales on they would attract more customers and the client�le would be much more diverse than the usual football watching larger drinker.
If the managers believe in this place and put the hard work in then it could become a great pub. So think 'character' and 'choice'. Get some good ales in.
6 Feb 2010 18:03
If I am not in the mood for O'neill's then The Partridge will be my next choice if I am in the centre of town. The blond haired bar maid smiled non-stop when serving us and it made us feel very welcome.
The pub never changes which is good. It has a very grand interior in traditional pub style. I can't think of a better pub interior in Bromley than here.
Well worth a visit if near Market Square.
6 Feb 2010 17:47
I have been there a number of times lately and it never disappoints. The bar staff are very friendly and even at the busiest of time you are not waiting that long to get served, unlike Lloyds where I have given up many times.
The woman bouncer is one of the funniest and friendliest I have ever come across. We popped in 1 evening to find they hadn't any Guinness (this was during the snow period). We had a Guinness Red and then left. She asked us why we were leaving so early. She was amazed at our reason, no Guiness and we had a right laugh.
They have regular bands on and there is never any trouble there. It has a great atmosphere which is helped by the traditional pub interior and moody lighting.
As I have mentioned before the worst thing about the place is its toilets. The mens are worse than a train stations.
If you are out near Market Square then this is the best pub to go to.
6 Feb 2010 17:39
The Bricklayers Arms is a great pub. it has all you would expect from a very good local. It has a wide range of good largers and ales to choose from. a variety of different seating areas. if you want a quiet corner to yourself, it's got it. or if you like to be close to the banter going on around the bar it has that too.
The bar starf are very polite and friendly. In Bromley it is the only pub I feel I could go in on my own and enjoy a pint. It has a really good atmosphere. A pub where you would never feel intimidated going in.
I kind of forgot about this pub for a few years thinking it was very quiet and ony attracted a few old locals. however going recently I was so surprised how busy it was mid week and how diverse the customers were.
For me too this is one of my favourite pubs in Bromley and I highly recommend a visit.
The only downside is that is still operates old pub hours from what I can remember. So it closes in the afternoon, even at the weekends which seems a bit odd.
6 Feb 2010 17:29
The Bricklayers Arms is a great pub. it has all you would expect from a very good local. It has a wide range of good largers and ales to choose from. a variety of different seating areas. if you want a quiet corner to yourself, it's got it. or if you like to be close to the banter going on around the bar it has that too.
The bar starf are very polite and friendly. In Bromley it is the only pub I feel I could go in on my own and enjoy a pint. It has a really good atmosphere. A pub where you would never feel intimidated going in.
I kind of forgot about this pub for a few years thinking it was very quiet and ony attracted a few old locals. however going recently I was so surprised how busy it was mid week and how diverse the customers were.
For me too this is one of my favourite pubs in Bromley and I highly recommend a visit.
The only downside is that is still operates old pub hours from what I can remember. So it closes in the afternoon, even at the weekends which seems a bit odd.
6 Feb 2010 17:29
From January Walkabout will be no more. It will be rebranded as Wahoo. I have looked at the website for the 3 venues that are open and it looks like a cheap and cheerful American style bar. a very bright colour scheme from what I can see from the photos. cyan and purple walls with a lot of blue and purple neon. I am sure it will be fun but it wont be classy by any means. Bromley needs a new pub lets hope this offers something different and worth going to. I can imagine it being very popular for the first few months until a fight breaks out and then its starts its journey downhill.
18 Dec 2009 21:18
Unofficially Bromley's best gay bar apparently. it is a bar that welcomes so many differnt people. Curry night on a Thursday is very good. you can get 2 meals, 2 sides and 2 drinks for about �13. the Curry is far better than the same deal in the George in Hayes and you don't get the free drink in there.
the amount of weird and different people you get in there makes fun people watching. you get chavs, old couples, commuters, student and tarts in there. They should call it Bromley Social Club.
Eating out there seems to be cheaper than going to Tesco and the washing up is done for free.
the bar service can be very slow at times but the bar staff are allways very polite. it is the most popular bar in town. it's funny to see so many people make an effort to dress up for this place but there is no dress code and it doen't try to be classy. if you like a very down to earth place with good cheap beer and food then you will like it. Scum rub shoulders with the ordinary people.
30 Oct 2009 09:29
Brilliant, absolutely brilliant. the key to a great night here is to go late on a Friday. i would say as late as 9-9:30. it got really, really busy after then. it stays open until 1pm over the weekend and 12pm in the week. it was definitely one of the most busiest pubs in town.
what amazed me most was the amount of people who were having fun. so many people laughing and enjoying themselves. even the bouncers were joining in the fun and dancing. it was busy and it brought a smile to my face.
i will definitely be going back again but later this time. it was heaving. it is a gay bar by the way.
30 Oct 2009 09:17
it looks like Walkabout Bromley will be rebranded as Wahoo. So far Cavendish bars has refitted Walkabouts in Oldham, Southampton and Putney. from first impressions from Wahoo's website it will become an American version of Walkabout complete with buckets of buffalo wings and grilled food. if anything it will be more tacky than Walkabout. this will be funny to see. it will probably be a McDonalds with booze that has a tacky wild west interior. i can imagine just what sort of people are going to go there.
30 Oct 2009 09:11
Walkabout Brighton has been bought by Cavendish Bars and will soon close. it will no longer be Walkabout but likely to be rebranded as Wahoo. So far the Walkabouts in Southampton, Oldham and Putney have been converted. From the look of their website the brand is a an American version of Walkabout, complete with buckets of buffalo wings and grilled food. this will be interesting.
Farewell to Walkabout Brighton.
30 Oct 2009 09:05
The Tigers Head has very recently reopened after refurbishment. i popped in there last week and the interior is much better. it has been done up much more traditionally with pictures of old Bromley darker vanish and more comfortable seating. this could be a really good pub if more people go there. the pub is now more of a laid back place. it was however limited on the choice of ale and larger but there a lot of spare pumps ready for new beers. this could be a great local.
7 Sep 2009 19:33
Walkabout Bromley has been purchased by Cavendish Bars ltd. They will re-brand the bar in the next 2 to 3 months. I am curious to see what direction Cavendish Bars will take it in. I hope they bring something to Bromley that it has been missing for years. We don't need a poncy bar like Sky again. Look what happened to that! I hope it doesn't become one of those places with too many bouncers and too many drunk teenagers. Oh it will probably have that 90's 'no trainers' dresscode. If it does let hope it doesn't last. I wear what I like when I go to the pub. It's my money I am spending and those types of establishments should welcome there customers.
I think the reason that I haven't been to Walkabout recently is that the entry policy seems so so strict. I think they scan a picture of you into the computer that is on the wall in the entrance. Why would anyone put them self though that just to get a pint. No Joke, it was easier getting through passport control at Heathrow the other week.
25 Jul 2009 21:18
It seems to be getting a lot busier in there lately. I don't know why. It is full of quite a mixed crowd these days. A good mixed crowd. The younger crowd seem to be mainly of fashionably dressed student types or graduates. There is also a smarter older crowd in there. There used to be a lot of chav types in there but not so much any more. Monday evenings can be very lively which is surprising.
They open the side doors now. I don't know the reason but that can only be a good thing. To be honest I think all the trouble happens in Beckenham now. Bromley has got quieter so a more pleasant place to go out in the evenings.
25 Jul 2009 21:09
The Partridge is always a good choice if drinking in the town centre. It has changed little over the years despite other pubs around it closing or changing.
They don't sell McCoys crisps any more. Which is a shame as they went perfectly with a pint of London Pride. Like many of the other pubs in the town centre it was surprisingly empty at around 9-10ish on a Saturday night. Very quiet to be honest. I think it was busier during weekday evenings.
The bar staff have changed recently. I haven't seen the guy with the ponytail in there for ages. However the new young guy does a good job and does make you feel welcome.
They do have a very negative approach to music in there I have noticed. The music is very 'tinny' and of poor quality. It is like they have had complaints from the customers so have turned it down and the base. That seems strange as when there is an annoying sports game the sound is too loud and if I wan't to socialise we have to go to the back room.
Apart from that it's one of the town centres best pubs. Well that isn't hard to do as the choice in the town is painfully becoming limited. Bring back The Royal Bell I say.
25 Jul 2009 21:02
The Partridge is always a good choice if drinking in the town centre. It has changed little over the years despite other pubs around it closing or changing.
They don't sell McCoys crisps any more. Which is a shame as they went perfectly with a pint of London Pride. Like many of the other pubs in the town centre it was surprisingly empty at around 9-10ish on a Saturday night. Very quiet to be honest. I think it was busier during weekday evenings.
The bar staff have changed recently. I haven't seen the guy with the ponytail in there for ages. However the new young guy does a good job and does make you feel welcome.
They do have a very negative approach to music in there I have noticed. The music is very 'tinny' and of poor quality. It is like they have had complaints from the customers so have turned it down and the base. That seems strange as when there is an annoying sports game the sound is too loud and if I wan't to socialise we have to go to the back room.
Apart from that it's one of the town centres best pubs. Well that isn't hard to do as the choice in the town is painfully becoming limited. Bring back The Royal Bell I say.
25 Jul 2009 21:02
I have been there a few times lately and I must say that it is probably the best pub in the town centre. It always has a very welcoming atmosphere and the bar staff are very welcoming. Usually they are smiling when serving you and also make conversation. It's great to see bar staff that enjoy their jobs and make an effort to make each visit fun and enjoyable.
It never disappoints. However like other Bromley Town pubs at the weekend it has got a little quieter at the weekends. I hope we don't loose this one to the recession. Saying that it was surprisingly busy in the evening of last Thursday.
I wish they would treat us to new toilets though as they are worse that station ones.
25 Jul 2009 20:49
it's nice to go there for the Sunday carvery. The food has been great most of the times i have been there. It can be extremely busy there on Sundays. We had to wait for an hour and a half one time. That didn't bother us as it was sunny outside and I needed a crisp pint.
The last few times I have been we have been seated pretty quick. The bar is awfully slow to get served. even slower than Lloyds Bar at Bromley south (also called The Richmal Crompton, Why 2 names??) which can be painfully slow even when the place is quiet. If you are eating order your drinks from the waiter as it's a lot quicker.
I have noticed that the portion of meat served per meal is a bit more generous lately. I think they have got that right. They can be very slow to replenish the meat and veg when it runs out. i was left waiting for 5/10 minutes while they brought out fresh portions of the meat and veg. On a number of occasions I have noticed that they wait until the supplies get really low before they refill. so i had to make do with scraps of some of the veg. that was a bit annoying.
Apart from that it's definitely worth a go. What's great is that there is no washing up. Go there for the food and not for a drink at a pub. As a pub it doesn't have the right atmosphere. You always get an annoying child screaming it's head off all too near. There are always old people moaning about many things. I went there with my dad on one occasion who is in his 70s and he was shocked at the amount of petty remarks. It can get very noisy and it can feel like you are in a Butlins themed restaurant.
if it wasn't for the food I don't think I would go there. I haven't tried the bar in the evening so at this time it could be very different. It does some very good ales.
25 Jul 2009 20:39
This pub has had quite a turbulent past over the last few years. Lets hope the new refit will set it on the right course and it can finally be a decent pub. It has an amazing garden and is in a very well to do area so it is surprising that it has had such a troubled last few years.
27 Mar 2009 17:12
I haven't been to Walkabout for a while. I had a drink in there one afternoon at the weekend. it's good when you get the window seat as you get the best of both worlds. It was full of ex-con style men and a few lone male drinkers. the weird thing was that a lot of the lone drinkers seemed to know each other even though they each had tables to themselves (with Sainsburys bags)
The bar staff are always really nice. One bar made even (with smile) asked us 'how are you'. you don't get that often.
I don't go in the evening as the florescent Jacketed door guys put me off. Apparently you have to show some sort of ID whatever your age and they scan it in on a machine by the door. Why would someone put them self through all that just to enjoy a pint.
It's funny to see the 2m square smoking pit full of smokers snarling and grunting when passing in the evening.
27 Mar 2009 17:05
I went to the Star only last Friday and it was great. We only went there for 2/3 pints of Becks but enjoyed every moment. A lot of people who give it a bad review don't realise that the pub stays open until 12 in the week and 1 at the weekends. It fills out later on in the evening from about 8:30-9.
it was quiet on our first pint but persevering fro another it suddenly go a lot more busy. Every seat was taken and there were lots of people around the bar. Quite a few men this time too. The dance music the DJ was playing was fantastic. It was a mixture of all the good dance music from today and a few years ago. It brought a smile to my face. I don't know a pub on a Friday night that plays good dance music like this any more.
With the recent murder of the gay guy in Bickley it was great to see that so many people were not scared to go to the pub that weekend. The place was much busier than of previous weeks which can only be a good thing.
Since the new manager the place has gone from strength to strength. The website, new screen graphics, DJ and good music you don't have to pay for and the late license.
Apart from the club in Lewisham it is the only gay pub for miles around.
27 Mar 2009 16:54
As annoying as Lloyds can be we always go back. it's convenient, it's by far the busiest pub in Bromley Town and the prices are very good. IPA and Samiguel are both currently 99p. I think a bottle of rose is �4.99. With something like 40 pubs closing a week in this country this pub chain is making the effort to rival the supermarket prices. In Lloyds you can enjoy a pint or two in a social environment with friends without worrying about how expensive it is.
As a moderate drinker this is great. the Government should be punishing the heavy violent drinkers and not try to make sensible drinking expensive to all.
Some of the meals are as cheap as �2.99. If you consider some pubs in Bromley are charging nearly �3 for a pint you can't ignore Lloyds for too long.
27 Mar 2009 16:42
I haven't been to the Railway for years but walking past it from the station it looks like the pub is making an effort to distinguish itself as the 'rock' pub in Bromley. The great thing is that there is background music to the street seating area. what a great idea.
27 Mar 2009 16:24
The Partridge never disappoints. It has 3 different environments to drink in and the atmosphere is always very pleasant. The do a great pint of London Pride. The Garden opposite the church will be great to use in the summer.
The funniest thing about the Partridge is the music. it's quite background and 'tinny' in the pub. you go into the toilets and it's a lot more livelier in the evenings� it's the music coming through the wall from Walkabout!
27 Mar 2009 16:22
Yes I agree that it is crazy that O'neills closes at 11 on a Saturday. Despite the bad reviews this pub gets it is a really good pub. It's grubbly, dark and a bit seedy. Eveything you would expect from a good pub.
It has a very good atmosphere any night you go. The client�le are very chilled and friendly. At the weekends it is one of the best pubs (if you want it busy, fun and loud) around.
It is let down by it's toilets though. I forgot they have the toilet guy at the weekends. How annoying. The male toilets are disgusting. Railway toilets are far better than these. You could shoot a good horror film in these.
For a good late night pub in Bromley the Star and Garter is open until 12 every night of the week and 1 at the weekends. Great dance music and good fun. It is a gay pub and it's great. It gets busy late though.
27 Mar 2009 16:17
How does The Lord Homesdale survive. It has gone through a few refurbishments over the last few years. I don't know where it gets the money from. It really seems an intimidating 'locals only' pub. I find the Chatterton Arm and The Downham Tavern more inviting than this pub.
27 Mar 2009 16:07
I always forget about the Ivory Lounge. it is by far the smartest and coolest bar in town. I am glad it is still going. When I go there it never seems to be that busy. it's a shame as it really is a very nice environment to drink and relax with friends.
I agree, it is expensive and I only stay for a pint before going to the much busier (but not necessarily better) Lloyds Bar just down the road. You get a hell of a lot more for you money in Lloyds.
I too hate the toilet attendants. it makes the whole experience of going to the loo pretty intimidating.
27 Mar 2009 16:03
I am still in two minds about the Crown and Anchor. As nice as it is it seem all to prim and proper for a pub. A bit like drinking in a restaurant or hotel lounge. Ha! you would get that kind or 'mother-in-law' style disapproval if one were to get even slightly drunk or even loud. if one were to swear in there, well I wonder what would happen. I think the Red Lion round the corner has the right tone for a pub.
27 Mar 2009 15:57
I and my drinking associate are usually in 2 minds whether to go in the Compass. As a pub it looks like a really good pub from the outside and from the inside it has a very nice interior. It has a variety of small but very different drinking areas. It would take little effort for this pub to be very good.
It can be a bit cliquey in there with lots of loyal locals in their 'usual' seats. From the appearance you would think you would be treated to some good well kept ale but it is very limited.
27 Mar 2009 15:46
I can remember just how busy The Bell used to get. It was crazy. You could go there on a Monday night and the place would be busy enough for the upstairs bars to open. Apart from Lloyds Bromley is now very quiet on a Monday night.
The Bell was busier on it's last days than many weekend evenings in the Sky Bar and Bromley's. The Sky Bar was an awful predecessor and Bromley's was a desperate quick modification back to a pub like environment.
As poor as the last two bars were it is a shame to see such a grand premises boarded up in metal sheeting. It is now one less place in town. The pub being boarded up makes that part of town look really run down.
Hopefully a restaurant or decent brewery will buy it. It would be great if it was restored to The Bell Hotel in all it's (apparent) former glory.
I wonder if the place is cursed! it will only be a success if it has Bell in the title :o)
27 Mar 2009 15:41
i walked passed Walkabout last night, Friday 14 or November and Walkabout has now closed down. it looks like it is the latest victim of general decline in pubs and of the credit crunch. i am surprised as it was one of the busiest pubs around. Bromley Town Centre can't get any more quiet can it?
Farewell Walkabout!
15 Nov 2008 09:21
'Welcome everybody to The Tavern' oh the old Dj! do we miss him. i have heard Erjer has an entrance to his own underground network here. Apparently the 'gentleman' can float his own Guinness over from the bar. Amazing.
Did the Woman Dj really laugh out peanuts/bullets like a machine gun. so funny. Just don't tell here a joke or you will get fired. ha a bit Allan Partridge. What happens if you were to make here cry? would she create a black hole?
The Tavern is the best.
14 Sep 2008 15:52
it has been refurbished well but was much better when gay. it was well known for miles around. if it had been refurbished and remained gay it would have made a fortune as it did seem to have many loyal punters.
people like to forget it's gay past like it is a dirty secret. Gay pubs are important for gay people to meet other gays in a safe friendly environment. There is only one gay bar in Bromley to the other 20/30 or so straight pubs. you wouldn't eye up a nice guy in Walkabout would you.
14 Sep 2008 15:46
i used to go there all the time a few years ago with friends but have only recently gone back.
it has been done up recently and the decor is very nice. quite upmarket for 'The Chat'. i went there with my partner in the day and we were pleasantly surprised. it is a very chilled and relaxing pub. it brought it back as to why we used to go there. it's almost like a home from home.
i have been there a few times lately. Friday nights seem to be the best. i don't like Karaoke but this was a very entertaining evening. There were everybody and anybody in the pub. Actually i and my drinking associate agree that it was everything we wanted from a busy pub in the evening. very good.
We tried it again the following Saturday and it was very, very quiet. we were quite disappointed. On the downside the pub is the most expensive that i know in Bromley. A pint of Guinness costs �3:10. if you don't think the bitter is anything special the price will leave you with a bitter taste in your mouth.
14 Sep 2008 15:38
i and my usual dining associate went there last week after going to The Compass and then Lloyds. The Bricklayers is a very good pub. very well done out and very friendly bar staff.
it is usually full of a more mature conservative crowed so you do feel you do have to keep your voice down sometimes when it's quiet.
saying that we had a fantastic Christmas eve drink there last year. On the spare of the moment my friend and i decided to go for a drink. the pub was perfect. no need to by a ticket, nice and busy and good seats. Brilliant.
the only downside is that it operates old fashioned pub hours, even at the weekends. so don't go there at 5:30 otherwise you will have to go to the Tiger's Head or the Lord Homesdale. maybe just wait outside until it opens at 6.
14 Sep 2008 15:27
just another bouncer infested pub full of rowdy people. it's one of those pubs that you don't want to even try and go in as the bouncers appear so intimidating and then they may not allow you in because of some immature dress code.
Why do all of the worst pubs have bouncers and dress codes. Also do all Yates have such a bad reputation?
14 Sep 2008 15:15
how many of the letters outside the pub spelling 'Walkabout' have to fall of before someone wonders what the pub is called or worse someone gets a knock on the head by a giant letter!
a typical Walkabout. it's just what you would expect from a chain pub. it looks very quiet when i walked past last Thursday. i couldn't see anyone hanging around outside. it's weird that so many of what were very popular pubs are getting quiet now.
14 Sep 2008 14:58
i tried the place a while back with my usual drinking associate. we normally go to the pubs in that little town called Bromley.
we only went there once. i asked the barmaid for '2 pints of Guinness'. she looked at me like i was a piece of dirt and said 'do we look like we serve Guinness'. i was so shocked at being spoken to like that and my mate and i looked at each other in utter amazement. i have never been back.
We drink in Bromley now were there are less bouncers. the barmaid in Walkabout asks you 'how are you' with a smile as she serves you and in the Bromley version of Lloyds the barman gives you free sample of ale to try before your buy.
14 Sep 2008 14:52
i went there last week with my partner after having a meal in Wagamuma. at first i was very hesitant to go in thinking it would be very busy and have loads of intimidating bouncers at the door.
There was just one small quiet woman at the door who said nothing as i politely said 'hello'. this was Thursday evening and the place used to be very pupular and busy but it was shockingly quiet here. you could easily get a table as there were loads to choose from. this is surprising considering how popular this place was. i had a lovely pint of ale and a very relaxing time. the bar was completely empty as we left. very pleasant if it stays like this.
14 Sep 2008 14:38
Considering what a great city Brighton is and it has so much to offer this venue is irrelevant. There is so many better places to go in Brighton you are very spoilt for choice.
Being in this Walkabout you may as well be sitting in Croydon, Bromley, Wimbledon or Centreal London. so don't bother. it's full of the usual heavy handed bouncers, threatening blokes and vulnerable girls.
if you are visiting Brighton, visit for what it has to offer. you will be pleasantly surprised. there is no need to go to a clone Australian bar. Some Australian who live and work in Sydney think they are horrendous places.
14 Sep 2008 14:21
The Tom Foolery used to be a great pub a few years ago. however recently it has really gone downhill. it used to be a well run clean and friendly pub however that's not the case now.
i haven't been in there for a while now but pass it often. every time i go past it is nearly empty even on a Saturday evening it looked very quiet. �3 for a pint of London Pride that pretty bad when it is cheaper in the Partridge.
it used to be a main choice to go in the north part of the town centre but i have no plans to go back while it is in it's current state. while the pub market remains unpredictable and tough i can see this place closing in the not too distant future. Bromley Town Centre needs a decent 'old man' style pub serving lots of ales with lots of character. Pubs need to make more of an effort to bring the punters in.
22 Jun 2008 12:24
The Lord Homesdale has only recently been refurbished and from he outside it looks like quite a lot of money has been spent on it. They probably did this to coincide with the opening of the new Tesco store opposite.
i must admit i haven't had the guts to go in yet but i am tempted. i have scary visions of everyone of the locals turning round and looking at me like i am an alien from out of space so this is a key reason why i want to try it (i am not an alien by the way). i will have to round up my usual drinking associate and bravely sample this apparent 'Locals only club'
i am sure the new Tesco has brought in some new faces and well designed board outside says 'now serving food' so perhaps the place has changed. Give it a go.
22 Jun 2008 12:12
i used to go to the Tavern a few years back and loved it every time. i and my drinking associate had heard all the stories about the place and the original much larger tavern.
we used to meet some very interesting characters in there. Does any one remember a tall old guy called Mathew. he used to point to the bar when talking to us but we could never understand what he was saying. We nicknamed him 'Erjer' as that was the only sound he used to make.
Also there was a great DJ that someone may remember. he used to wear a cowboy hat and played the tambourine occasionally when doing his session. On our first ever visit he made the effort to come and shake our hands and say out loud 'a couple of new faces in here tonight'. He was great and a great reason to go down there.
We loved it there however we haven't been there for some time now.
8 Jun 2008 18:50
This bar is well and truly open. it is the previous Henry's bar that has closed.
A drinking associate and i have tried the Ivory Lounge on a number of occasions since it opened only a few months ago.
it is a very modern and stylish bar. the layout is very different from the previous Henry's Bar with the bar being in a different location. The bar has a very relaxed but mature atmosphere. on all the times i have been there there hasn't been any bouncers or any dress code imposed. however i haven't been there at the weekend. to be honest the mature atmosphere gives the impression that the customer is able to make their own mind up to what they wear which is a breath of fresh air in a place like this. it also suggests that their isn't any trouble here.
it's amusing to hear that the Ivory Lounge in Bexlyheath has a very draconian dress and entry policy. i wonder why? the places seem worlds apart.
Also the bar has some very impressive out door pavement seating which will be great in the summer evenings. it gives the place a more continental feel.
on the down side the bar can get a bit crowded so it can take a while to get served. if you are into ale then this place will disappoint, Guinness is the closest you will get.
This is the smartest bar in Bromley but with a very laid back atmosphere for such a new venue.
25 May 2008 16:06
i think Walkabout Bromley is having something of a revival. it seems to be getting more popular and busier every month. it looked packed from the outside and a queue to get in gather on many occasions.
very friendly bar staff the last time i visited. quit surprising.
16 May 2008 21:34
i decided to give it another go on Friday 19th April. Being the only gay pub for miles around there isn't many gay pubs to choose from.
we got to the front door and were amazed that we had to pay �2 to get in. it was only about 8pm. a couple in front of us were amazed at this and swiftly decided to go to Walkabout. apparently a DJ called Nick was on. All well and good but shouldn't the entertainment the means of brining the customers in?! i don't see Walkabout ever charging people to get in. The entertainment they provide brings int he trade.
it amazes me that a pub that has the entire market of London's largest borough manages to 'put off' the very customers it is aiming at. The pub must start having respect for its customers and stop taking them for granted. it the management get it right then they will do very well. What will it take to make them realize.
We both went to Walkabout instead too.
16 May 2008 21:24
A very decent pub and one of the best in the norther part of Bromley Town Centre. it has got a lot busier over the last year most probably due to the lack of choice in the town centre but likely due to the good beer, nice traditional environment and friendly bar staff.
it is a fullers pub that serves a very good pint of London Pride. the interior is very grand and the bar even grander. the pub boasts two very cosy quieter drinking areas at the front and at the back. the garden is the best garden to sit outside on warm days especially with view of the church over the road.
16 May 2008 21:11
My usual drinking associate and i went there last night (15th May). The pub is now called Bromley's and is under completely new management from previous (absolute failure ) Sky Bar.
i have been to Bromley's quite a few times this year and last night was the busiest i have seen it since it reopened as Bromley's. the main reason i am sure is that every Thursday every drink is �150.
i found the staff very friendly and the punters were very wide ranging. the atmosphere was very pleasant. we enjoyed it so much we stayed for the entire evening.
it is a shame that the pub isn't called The Royal Bell any more. despite the bad reputation The Bell had it was a great place to go at its peak, busy everywhere. I do think the original name of the pub should be reinstated.
i think if the management added a few more tables and seats in sparse areas and made the place have the charm of more of a traditional pub this could be a winner. the room on the right with the pool table in it looks great. i think the rest of the pub should look more like that.
it's definitely worth a go. i don't think there is any poncy dress code too. Us Daleks would have a problem getting up those stairs though!
16 May 2008 21:01
Metropolis Karaoke & Music Bar, Bromley
A drinking associate and i have tried the Ivory Lounge on a number of occasions since it opened only a few months ago.
it is a very modern and stylish bar. the layout is very different from the previous Henry's Bar with the bar being in a different location. The bar has a very relaxed but mature atmosphere. on all the times i have been there there hasn't been any bouncers or any dress code imposed. however i haven't been there at the weekend. to be honest the mature atmosphere gives the impression that the customer is able to make their own mind up to what they wear which is a breath of fresh air in a place like this. it also suggests that their isn't any trouble here.
it's amusing to hear that the Ivory Lounge in Bexlyheath has a very draconian dress and entry policy. i wonder why? the places seem worlds apart.
Also the bar has some very impressive out door pavement seating which will be great in the summer evenings. it gives the place a more continental feel.
on the down side the bar can get a bit crowded so it can take a while to get served. if you are into ale then this place will disappoint, Guinness is the closest you will get.
This is the smartest bar in Bromley but with a very laid back atmosphere for such a new venue.
29 Mar 2008 19:56
On not having been there for a while we decided to try it on Good Friday evening and were pleasantly surprised.
The pub was vary busy but not busy enough to be annoying. the bar staff were very quick to serve us and were very friendly. i was actually asked a number of times if i had been served, by different staff.
overall we had a great night in there. the music was good but not horridly loud. we got seats and the drinks were pretty cheap. well worth a go.
24 Mar 2008 19:58
My partner and i decided to go there for a pint on Good Friday evening after not having gone there for a while. On previous visits we have found the pub to very lively and well done out. however on this visit we were very surprised how it had changed.
From the outside the pub appeared to be shut, however after making some effort we realized there were staff at the bar and so made our way in. The first thing that surprised us was the once open spacious bar had been horridly boxed in by a large dark oppressive glass holder above the bar.
We ordered two drinks and sat at the bar. We felt very uncomfortable as the atmosphere was very strange. we had to talk quietly when the music annoyingly kept on stopping. as my Guinness was being poured i overheard that the pipe had not been cleaned for 7 months (nice) and i heard a complaint about pouring it.
Basically we felt like were intruding on someone else's space. we regulary heard the staff complaining about the pub, one calling it a 'sh*thole' so we hurried our drinks and fled to Walkabout and had a fantastic time.
Bromley being London's largest borough it's a shame this pub isn't making more effort as it is the only gay pub in the area and could be heaving, as it has the entire market. with management who believe in the place and publicity reaching out to the gay community the pub would be a hit.
24 Mar 2008 19:44
The Star and Garter, Bromley
This pub is well worth a visit. Since it has a late license it doesn't get busy until about 8-9 onwards. But if it gets even more popular it will be busy all the time I am sure. I have had some really good times here. On returning from New York where I visited the many gay bars I am looking forward to returning to the Star and Garter for a drink. This pub is more than just a pub it is somewhere for Bromley's gay community to meet and socialise in a safe welcome environment. Unlike Bromley Council this pub is responding to the needs of one of it's communities.
25 Feb 2011 23:22