A FAULTLESS interior, warm atmosphere, the mesmerising smell of a roast and, er, award-winning toilets – are you sure this is a ‘Spoons?

Poor old JD Wetherspoon gets a lot of flak for his ubiquitous, one-size-fits-all cut-price boozers but the Tailor’s Chalk in Sidcup is a shining example of how it should be done.

From the outside, it looks a little like another depressing High Street pub, but stepping inside is like entering a wonderland.

The balance of wood panelling, exposed brick, understated artwork and deep red walls is just right and the place is kept in good nick.

A dash of tinsel and a tastefully-decorated Christmas tree are relatively subtle nods to Christmas, and the addition of mulled cider (£2.79 a pint) to the bar is a nice touch.

Though you may associate ‘Spoons with cheap lager, they nearly all do a great range of booze – the Tailor’s Chalk has a long bar crowded with taps selling a vast range, and all at low, low prices.

A coffee (for my driver) and a pint of Stowford Press cost me just £3.84. I felt like I’d stolen one of them.

There’s the added fun of contactless payment too.

Again, being a Wetherspoons, the food is predictably great value and, from what I spied on other people’s plates, looked and smelled great.

Looking around, this was not a bar full of tired, craggy regulars but a real mix of all-sorts – from tattoo young lads drinking brightly coloured pitchers to middle-aged women having a roast with their mums.

It makes me feel a bit nauseous writing so effusively about a place, especially a big chain when we should all be supporting good locals, but you do have to give credit where it’s due.

Their bogs are some of the best in London too.

The Tailor’s Chalk, High Street, Sidcup

How it rated:

Decor ***** Gorgeous, but still comfortable

Atmosphere **** Everyone welcome and enjoying themselves

Staff ***** Lots of them, smart and friendly

Drinks **** A range as long as your arm

Price ***** All at incredible ‘Spoons prices