The Rose, Bexleyheath

The original pub dated back to 1835 but was destroyed in a Second World War bombing raid. A replacement pub wasn’t built until 1955 which is the pub we see today. Despite the double door entrance, the carpeted interior is now a single, quite smallish, U-shaped bar with traditional pub furnishings, largely banquette seating, half paneled walls and a collection of plates, ceramics and trophies taking up much of the shelf spaces. There is a cosy rear patio garden and pavement seating out the front if you can bear the noise of the Broadway traffic. It is one of the few pubs in the area that has survived going down the trendy up-market route and did once used to be a bit of a biker’s hangout although it has never had a reputation for problematic customers unlike some of its near neighbours. It is also one of the better pubs for ales with 5 hand pumps although the selections generally tend to be quite mainstream with the occasional surprise. Choices on my last visit were Bombardier, Harveys, Doom Bar and St Austell Trelawney with 1 pump unclipped. Prices and quality have never been an issue. It might not be regarded as an essential pub visit but on my frequent Bexleyheath pub outings, the Rose is always a worthy stop en route.