FOR a man haunted by hazy memories of being strapped in the back of puce Rover Vitesse on tacky beige leather seats on a hot summer’s day, The White Cross could cause violent flashbacks.
When was beige big – was it the 80s? Whenever it was, it is still then inside this North Cray watering hole.
While the crisp white exterior and crosses gave me an uneasy – and unfounded – feeling that I was heading into a supremacist’s lair, it was ok because the moment I stepped in I was in a beige wonderland.
With plenty of beige leather, timberwork, landscape pictures and enough crockery on the walls to feed a thousand grandkids, it felt like Nan had had an extension.
The walls even featured two yellowing framed missives from PubSpy himself, in the days when I had nearly a whole page to write this nonsense.
It was no wonder they framed the review, it was very complimentary, and that’s because it is a nice pub. Yes, it is a bit beige, but it is also somehow spacious yet cosy.
There are games (though the Connect4 was broken) and there is a chiller cabinet with a gorgeous selection of cakes.
A barmaid served me with a smile.
The small bar had just enough drinks - including Harvey’s, Doombar and Courage on tap – to keep the drinkers happy, and a spattering of entertaining locals lining it.
Invitingly weighty menus, with all the Nan classics and a good selection of bar snacks, gave me the impression that this is probably a great place to go for a bite.
Embracing the Beige Age theme, I went for a cheese and ham toastie - good it was, too.
The White Cross, North Cray Road, North Cray
How it rated:
Decor *** Beautiful but beige
Drinks*** Decent enough
Price*** Reasonable
Staff **** Very nice
Atmosphere *** Comfortable
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