Food: ***

Drink: ****

Atmosphere: **

Decor: ****

Price: ***

After a letter from a long-time reader, Vodka Bloke, asking if the Pubspy letter bag will ever return, I turned to News Shopper boffin Simon Bull to see if an on-line mail box can be set up. With little more than the promise of a pint, the computer wizard got on the case and set up Down the Pub, an area where readers can register their comments.

One message, posted by Julian Barrett last month, laments the lack of boozer choice in West Wickham and recommends I visit the Shortlands Tavern as it is so bad.

But, being only human, I didn't feel like visiting another poor pub again this week so I plumped for another pub he mentioned in a more favourable light, The Pickhurst Tavern.

This is a gargantuan pub with a vast forecourt and car park in front, a real restaurant and lots of nooks and crannies to get lost in.

A gas fire burns at each end of the main room, which has dark wood panelling all around and an L-shaped central bar.

There is a good selection of drinks, especially wine served by the glass, and a couple of real ales Courage Best and Directors. I went for the fabulous Directors and ordered a scampi and chips, which cames to the best part of a tenner. I chose a seat by the hot fire and took a large gulp of Directors, which went down like a live eel. The food was as it should be crunchy, with large chips and a large salad.

Unfortunately, my vision was blighted by too many flashing fruit machines and a bar covered in more advertising than a Formula One racing car. The only thing missing is atmosphere. This pub has a Beefeater feel to it. But it is clean and cosy and the (mainly elderly) drinkers seemed happy enough, although it is not the type of place you could sit at the bar and start up a conversation with anyone.