Rose & Crown, Orpington

Substantial country-style roadhouse dating from 1927, now on the edge of the Greater London conurbation and run by Whiting & Hammond. Lighter inside than the dark-brick facade might suggest, with a number of semi-separate seating and dining areas (all decorated in dark grey-green up to 1/3 height with cream paintwork and random pictures above). With three of the six handpumps in use, I found the regular Bexley's Own Bitter and Abbot supplemented by Aldhurst Original from Dorking (£5.40, but getting towards the end of the barrel).

Fairly large pub on a busy roundabout of the A21 towards the outer edges of Greater London. There is a spacious, light and airy bar area with quieter areas to either side. A few were having what I assumed was breakfast to the right-hand side when I arrived. A couple of real ales from Bexley were on offer - Bexley's Own & Redhouse, served by a patient barmaid.