The Grosvenor, Westminster

As a group of students studying nearby we tend to choose this pub on special occasions and for good reason. Quiet without being dead, it's cosy, welcoming and reasonably-priced. In summer, the barbecue outside is free for punters to make use of, and the table tennis table is always in action. Overlooked by flats out the back which is less than picturesque, but the interesting bits and bobs decorating the interior make up for this.

A good place to spend an evening with friends.

11 Dec 2008 11:47

The Crown, Chislehurst

Other than the (gravel pit of a) beer garden, there's precious little in the way of seating at this pub. It seems to have sacrificed most of its space to its ill-attended 'gastropub' section. I have had mixed luck with the food here but as a pub it's so-so. It's quite dull, to be honest. Unimaginative interior - they've got a sofa to mix things up a little, but that's about it. The ubiquitous Sky Sports hovers Big Brother-like in the centre.

Comedy value provided by the guy who hops over the common to try and flog his pirate DVDs to outdoor punters every Friday night. It's harmless enough, nothing big to complain about, but no distinct good points other. Average.

11 Aug 2008 01:19

The Bickley, Chislehurst

A huge amount of work has been put into revamping this place and with great success. We visited one warm summer evening to find a huge, spacious beer garden, atmospherically lit, which grew popular as the evening progressed. Inside it's very open, perhaps with a little bit too much room.

The food is on the expensive side but the quality backs up the heftier price tags, which is a nice surprise in an area where pubs are not known for their high-quality fare.

The staff are friendly enough, no cause for complaint even if one or two youngsters seemed a little inexperienced - this happens everywhere.

Goes to show what considered time and money can actually do for a place if the right changes are made. Will be going back.

11 Aug 2008 01:13