Nowhere is it as fun to listen in on strangers’ conversations than a good community pub.

And we were treated to some zingers here.

One minute the guy nearby was in full Mr T mode when describing an aversion to planes and the next he was giving it large about a number of holiday destinations.

“Yeah, Spain’s just like staying at home there’s so many British people there.”

“Jamaica’s just like a gangland.”

Cliches, no doubt, but fair enough. If only it wasn’t for the fact he’d already professed to never been to these places.

Still, lazy snap judgements are what PubSpy trades in and you kept a smile on my face so you crack on man-of-many-opinions.

There was no shortage of action for a week day lunchtime at the Sydney Arms.

Its three distinct but unspectacular rooms oozed ‘good community boozer’ and it was virtually standing room only.

There were plenty of seats but a sizeable grey brigade of diners combined with workmen and women on their lunch breaks meant that finding one was a challenge.

It’s a victory for the ‘normal’ pub.

This boozer served fairly regular fare - the food was reasonable value but no great shakes but the restaurant section was stuffed to the rafters while behind the bar were largely just the popular tipples.

The pick was a guest ale, Caledonian First Dawn and the very friendly chap behind the bar was delighted to offer up a sample before we committed to a pint.

The Sydney Arms, Old Perry Street, Chislehurst

How it rated:

Decor *** Plain

Atmosphere ***** Friendliest place ever

Price *** Fairly reasonable

Food ** Standard but filling

Drink *** Not bad

Staff ***** Enthusiastic