Many’s the time that I’ve trudged down Orpington High Street and not been in the least bit tempted to disappear into the black hole that is the Harvest Moon.

Well, I did it this time, despite the grim stare on entry.

The small cordoned area outside resembled a holding pen for some of the borough’s roughest faces.

A craggy gent, sporting a mullet and ‘tache combo that’s not been anywhere near acceptable since the 1980s, fixed me with a grimace over the top of his pint.

I felt a long way from welcome and, had it not been for professional curiosity, I expect I would have headed elsewhere for refreshment.

Inside, the Harvest Moon looks much how you would imagine but with a marginally higher ratio of normals.

In a lot of respects, it’s a typical town centre pub: a bit down-at-heel and dingy.

The carpet’s busy and the little natural light that forces its way through struggles to overcome the dull red and brown colour scheme and numerous separate booths.

To be fair, there is extra light provided by the bank of slot machines at the entrance.

While I was dubious about walking in because of the reception I’d received before I even arrived at the door, I must say the atmosphere inside was a lot less hairy.

Sure, there was more than the fair share of parkas and WKDs but also a lot of friendly faces – shoppers taking the weight off and a sizeable brigade of oldies all merrily chatting away.

The average hair colour was certainly grey.

Being a ‘Spoons, the bar had a pleasing range of booze at great prices. A pint of Westerham Brewery’s excellent British Bulldog cost £2.25.

The Harvest Moon, High Street, Orpington

How it rated:

Decor** A bit drab

Atmosphere*** Not so bad inside

Drink ***** Great selection

Price ***** Typically great Wetherspoons’ prices

Staff *** Just about efficient