Queens Head, Chislehurst

I'd somehow missed this pub when in Chislehurst a few weeks back. In truth, it was not worth returning to. This is an Ember Inns establishment, that was fairly quiet on our midweek lunchtime visit. There were plenty of staff looking for things to do. Just 2 real ales were on - Pedigree & London Pride, with no real cider. I was informed that ales are discounted on Mondays and Thursdays. On other days of the week, CAMRA card holders can still claim a discount. The pub is located in a nice area. But the interior is fairly non-descript, albeit with plenty of seating.

This is an Ember Inns pub, and inside it's typical of the chain - plenty of pastel shades, loads of tall tables/tall stools, but with some normal tables and chairs with a few sofas as well. It has clearly been extended into adjoining properties at some stage, and this has allowed the pub to be sub-divided into several interconnected drinking and dining areas. In fact the area on the left has been designated as a family dining area. There's a largish paved garden area at the back next to the large pond, which must be a popular area in the warm weather - like this week for example. There was a bank of eight handpumps on the counter, but only three were doing anything useful on Monday lunchtime, with Sambrook's Wandle, Adnam's Ghost Ship, and Ember Ale (Black Sheep) on. The other five were either having their lines cleaned, or being used to advertise their Monday ale club, where all real ales are £2.49. I also saw a sign advertising a 20p discount for CAMRA members. Being an Ember Inns pub it was obviously big on food. Illustrated menus offer the usual sort of chain pub grub at fairly reasonable prices. This one is typical Ember Inns. But it was comfortable enough in a corporate sort of way, the beer selection's OK (and on Monday at £2.49 a pint very reasonably priced - cheap even), and the outside space overlooking the large duck pond must be a major draw in the nice weather. But it's not the sort of characterful pub that I prefer - but that's just my preference and clearly it's more "family friendly" than the Gordon Arms around the corner. I'm pleased to see that it remains a viable pub.