It’s amazing the affect a good feed can have on your day.

Having had train woes (who doesn’t?) and being full of general election dread, lord knows I needed a pick-me-up.

And the mighty Oak served me up a beast of a burger that may have made my week, let alone my day.

This pub was not my intended destination but it was the first port after unexpectedly decamping at Bickley Station.

And when I saw it, I wasn’t sure it was what I was really after, either.

It doesn’t especially stand out on a busy road but walking inside was actually quite a shock.

My expectation was sticky table, the smell of damp dog and fizzy lager.

What I found was tidiness, a sober municipal kind of green and a big, welcoming bar.

It’s not exactly the pub equivalent of a Jimmy Choo, more a sturdy pair of brogues.

Light pop music lifted the mood while plenty of seating makes it a good place to sit and chat away for an hour or so.

The bar boasted Meantime beer mats but I didn’t spot any of the Greenwich beer on tap (maybe I missed it) so instead I plumped for a pint of Woodforde’s Flagondry (£3.95) which was actually quite the tongue twister even on the first round.

The two ginger lads behind the bar – one big, one little – had me wondering if they were related, father and son maybe? Regardless of their relationship, their service was pretty seamless.

As well as a pint, I opted of the Oak burger and boy did it surprise me.

It’s an odd thing to give much credit for, but the bun was soft and had a really deep flavour which went beautifully with the mature cheddar and tangy relish. The patty itself was properly meaty and thick.

The best I’ve had in a long time.

The Oak, Widmore Road, Bromley

How it rated:

Decor **** Surprisingly good

Atmosphere*** Comfortable

Staff *** Good

Drink *** Fine

Food ***** What a burger!

Price *** £3.95 a pint’s not a knock out