WORDS are great, and one of the great words is Jolly, isn’t it?
You don’t hear it too often these days – I guess about as often as you hear of woodsmen – but it has a kind of sepia-tinged warmth to it.
Which is why it is so appropriate for the Jolly Woodman in Beckenham.
Squeezing in through ill-marked doors on a chilly November evening, I was hit by the warmth of a fire, the orange glow and the invigorating buzz of conversation.
The Chancery Lane boozer is tucked away and it’s not big, but it clearly has a big pull.
The night I went along, it was enough work to cram myself into the door and – having got my pint – around the corner to find what seating was left.
In keeping with its old-school villagey charms, the decor is simple – a tile floor, rustic wooden furniture, a few black and white photos and a painting of the queen.
There’s no music, every nook appears to have books stacked in it and there are plenty of coats hanging up.
It may be simple, but it is also cosy.
The crowd The Jolly Woodman attracts is almost exclusively professional, male and middle-aged too. Or at least it was when I visited.
Everywhere I looked - and it was packed – were crisp, dark blue jeans, work shirts and grey hair.
I counted just two women, aside from the three lovely ladies behind the relatively small (but impressively stocked) bar.
As disconcerting as this may sound, it was actually very pleasant.
This pub is great, and that's all down to its simple charms.
The Jolly Woodman, Chancery Lane, Beckenham
How it rated:
Decor: **** Simple but cosy
Staff: **** Friendly and attentive
Drinks: **** A nice range
Price: **** £4.45 for a Timothy Taylor landlord and crisps
Atmosphere: **** Dominated by middle-aged men but warm
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