How pretty is The Kings Head in Bexley? Many a time I’ve driven past and been attracted by its historic look and colourful flowers and now, finally, I’ve returned.

This is proper Old Bexley and may well be the prettiest pub in a pretty village. And it’s a blast from the past, in the best possible way.

The 14th century building is typically idiosyncratic, with low doorways and old beams and dark browns, wood and vibrant reds.

It’s ancient but well looked-after and work has been done to maximise its potential with a persistently glorious floral display and even cushions on the benches outside which make it ideal for a hot day, even if the patio area does face a busy road.

Mind you, that gives you plenty to look at as people wander by, cars scoot along and literally nothing happens in the window of the internet salon opposite which looks like the kind of old computer shop that I’ve not seen since at least the turn of the century.

Strangely enough, the pub – although its building is older – seems to be lodged in roughly the same period. And that’s no bad thing. I suppose you could call it traditional.

There’s a limited selection of ale on tap and the menu is small but covers the staples. It’s not an embarrassment of riches, but all of the bases are well covered for both food and drink.

There are no brioche buns on the burger and I’m fairly sure the meat itself was not 21-day aged Aberdeen Angus (or whatever the current trend is) but it hit the spot nicely thanks to lashings of cheddar and some particularly special, thick, salty bacon.

As I sat people watching and earwigging the conversation of a couple of middle-aged lycra-clad cyclists trading corny jokes, the very kind grown-up barmaid brought it out to me.

She called me ‘lovey’ and genuinely sounded like she meant it when she told me to enjoy my lunch, a lovely but depressingly rare touch.



 


The Kings Head, High Street, Bexley

How it rated:

Decor ***** Properly stunning

Atmosphere *** Amiable

Staff **** Genuine

Food ** OK but no great shakes

Drink *** An adequate range

Price *** About right