The Two Doves, Bromley

This has got to be the best traditional pub for miles. Friendly staff, simple food and really well-kept ale. I like Youngs beer , but the St Austell Tribute is so wonderful here that I have never had anything else in the last two years! There is always a crowd of good-natured regulars, and the garden is a big draw in the summer. The perfect pub?

28 Oct 2008 23:21

The Claret Free House, Addiscombe

Popped in after reading an article in The London Drinker. Six real ales on the bar, plumped for a pint of TEA from Hogs Back. OK, but not in great condition and quite hard to finish. Nice atmosphere though, I'm sure I'll go back to try the other five!

28 Oct 2008 23:11

Plough, Borough Green

Stumbled across the Plough during a wander round the pretty lanes near Plaxtol. It is a 'local' pub as the landlady, Jan, called it, and it is certainly off the beaten track, (although actually not far from Borough Green, where the 'locals' come from). We found a very warm welcome, and there were four real ales on - Greene King IPA, Harveys (very nice), Hanburys H.B., and one other which escapes me. The pub itself consists of one long bar, telly room at one end and quieter room at the other, with cards and cribbage boards available. It is homely in an old-fashioned sort of way, and offered a good selection of food, with specials. Outside at the front was a new-looking terraced seating area which had lovely views across the small wooded valley, even in the rain! We listened to the landlady tell us how she cooks curries for her family in a large, shallow indian pan, on an african charcoal cooker, in the garden. We thought about it all the way home, and had to go home and cook a curry for tea! A pub well worth seeking out ......

4 Oct 2008 20:42