Queens Head, Chislehurst

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.

Official site of The Queens Head - www.emberinns.co.uk

Official site of The Queens Head - www.emberinns.co.uk

This Ember Inn is located next to the picturesque pond at the start of the High Street and claims to be the oldest pub in Chislehurst although there is little visible to warrant the claim even if it is correct. The sprawling interior is kitted out to Ember’s usual format with modern décor, artwork and ornaments. A piano sits in one corner although I suspect doesn’t get much usage. There are several sections that radiate from a central bar so, despite its size, it is possible to find a tucked away table if you look hard enough. As plaeasnt as it all seems, it does all suck of corporate identikit and has a “seen one seen ‘em all” feel that goes with the chain. The pub is set back from the road creating space for some outside seating and there is also an attractive beer garden at the rear overlooking the large adjacent pond. Ember do at least have a pool of rotating guest beers so the ales are a bit more adventurous than you will generally find in town. The choices on my ercent visit were 2 standard ales (Greene King IPA and Doom Bar) plus Harviestoun Old Engine Oil and Hopdaeman Incubus. Prices were typical for the area. I’ve not eaten here but have done so in many Ember Inns and found the meals to be good value for money so I think it’s safe to say this would be no different. The staff and even the doorman seemed friendly enough but it was hardly busy and I’m not sure what it would be like at peak times given the lack of any immediate competition. It’s a fairly safe bet for a pint or meal but you generally know what you’re getting with Ember and the Queens Head is no better or worse than any other.