Lullingstone Castle, Swanley

The Lully (at one time called the Mulberry Bush) is now the only pub within Swanley town centre and many would argue that the town would still be better off without it. The pub has suffered from a poor reputation for many years although to be fair, few of Swanley’s pubs have ever covered themselves in any glory. Like much of the town centre itself, the pub is a characterless modern building with an estate feel to it both inside and out. The interior is functional rather than cosy with an alcove of banquettes around a fireplace and a few tall tables in the main bar area. A raised area near the main door possibly doubles up for a music/karaoke stage (I didn’t notice anything advertised but it’s that kind of place) and the rear section is dominated by a pool table. A couple of TV’s were showing Premiership football although the place was populated by barely half a dozen people on a Saturday lunchtime. The pub is part of the Greene King empire but despite 4 hand pumps, no ales were available despite being badged (not an unusual occurrence judging by other reports). I was offered a choice of bottled Old Speckled Hen or Abbot opting for the former at £3.20 which seemed reasonable enough price wise. Food was cheap and cheerful although there were no takers other than one of the barmaids. I didn’t experience anything particularly intimidating and the staff were certainly friendly and efficient enough although reputations don’t get there by themselves and it’s not a place I would particularly choose to visit for any reason other than it’s a case of Hobson’s choice.