The Bird & Barrel, Barnehurst, Bexleyheath

Micropub close to Barnehurst station that has always managed to be closed when I've been in the area previously. It only opens 3 days each week, with 4pm opening on Fridays and 2pm at weekends. Beers are mainly from the Bexley Brewery. Hills & Holes is the regular beer, whilst they also had Crook Log on cask, a spicy and seasonal beer. The guest beer was Iron Pier Bitter. Ciders were Turner's Gold, Medium, Rhubarb Cider & Apple Cider, Kent Cider Company Waken, Mango Cider, Strawberry Cider & Vintage Russet & Biddenden's Red Love & Bushels. The Vintage Russet was a new cider for me. Craft beer fans are also not neglected. Bexley Anchor Bay, Thornbridge Astryd & Mondo Drop the Logic were all on. I had very little time to down my two halves in order to make my train, blissfully unaware that it would be cancelled! It would have been much more preferable to have had a more relaxed visit. But the opening times prohibited this for me. Just two other young customers were present. The young barmaid was friendly and knowledgeable too. I'll have to return when I have more time on my hands.

Proper micro-pub with just five small, round tables with pew-type benches along the side walls and a smattering of plain chairs and stools. Not a lot of features to note, but conversation is the order of the day here anyway. The compact counter in one corner has enough space for three handpumps, dispensing two from owners Bexley Brewery - Hills & Holes and Redhouse - and the Eureka & Callista 'Joined at the Hop' from Iron Pier (£3.60, and very good too). Also has three craft keg offerings from taps on the side of the cool room and a selection of bottled beers.