THE Rambler’s Rest has been quenching thirsts since 1684, and the furnishings could be due an update.

But credit where it is due, that style of pub-only carpet may have gone out of production at the same time as electric lighting was introduced and people were first able to see how garish it is, but it has been lovingly kept.

The same goes for the matching bench-style seats whose upholstery has been neatly patched.

The thing is, I’m only being a bit sarcastic. It has been well preserved and The Rambler’s Rest does overflow with character.

Tucked away from the main road and down a steep slope – parking is tricky – the pub is a twee combination of white timber, window boxes and a comfortable looking bench.

It is a picturesque building you imagine would make a good watercolour, and just in case you can’t imagine, there is a watercolour inside.

Stepping inside, I was hit by that saliva-inducing, penetrating odour of vinegar and saw a grey brigade by the door tucking into a few vast baskets of crunchy-looking chips. Safe to say I was jealous.

The Rambler’s Rest has a quirky layout. Built on a hill, there is a small bar area upstairs and a bigger room downstairs, also with bar.

Decor-wise, it is strictly traditional – wood beams, dreary carpet, matching bench seats, horse shoes, mirrors with brewery names on and St George flags hung over them.

Clearly identifiable behind the bar lurk the old favourites; pork scratching and nuts.

At the bar, a friendly if over-dressed lady happily poured me a London Pride at the not-too-painful price of £3.70.

I could have chosen between four proper beers on tap, plus the regular array of lagers and a cider at a reasonable price.

Among the bottles was a wide palette of juices including a tempting Apple and Beetroot (£2.70) which was tangy and earthy and looks great on the table.

Heading out into the beer garden is disappointing. Much like casting your eye over the daytime patrons, all you can see is grey.

There has been some effort made with planting around the outside but the overarching impression is of concrete. It is less of a garden and more of a practical patio.

Making the outside area less appetising are the tables. Firstly, they’re rammed like boats at Dunkirk. And secondly, they’re nailed down. You can perhaps picture punters walking out with a glass or maybe a bit of crockery, but who nicks a table? And then drags it up a steep hill past the pub?

Despite this, and as the name suggests, this is still a comfortable place to take the weight off your feet – like going round your nans.

The Rambler’s Rest, Mill Place, Chislehurst BR7 5ND

How it rated:

Decor **(Full of character but could do with some new furnishings)

Drink *** (Plenty to choose from)

Price *** (Doubtless more than in 1684 but it won’t empty your pocket)

Atmosphere **** (Easy-going, country-style pub)

Staff **** (Friendly, great at corralling the locals)