The Imperial Arms, Chislehurst

Solid-looking pub, partly opened out to leave a 'L'-shaped bar refurbished with very dark decor and furnished with padded benches and dining tables (with candles. Also has a another room behind and a new Courtyard Wine Bar and function room. Live music advertised. Three real ales on handpump: Doom Bar, Pedigree and Harveys (£3.60, and served in the right glass).

The Imperial Arms official site with event details - www.imperialarms.co.uk

Built in 1792 as the Windmill, the pub changed its name to the Imperial Arms in 1873, a nod to the exiled Napoleon III who lived in what is now the clubhouse of nearby Chislehurst golf course. The L-shaped interior is split into 2 bars, the Library Bar and the Catherine Bar (after the aforementioned Napoleon’s bit on the side). The place has a very cosy interior with beamed ceilings, thick curtains, paneled walls, leather banquettes and subdued lighting. A series of military caricatures and various Napoleonic pictures adorn the walls. The pub was taken over by the present owners in 2012 and underwent a major refurbishment, a task undertaken by “Designer to the Stars” Martin Bullard that was featured on the Million Dollar Decorators TV programme. I can’t pretend to know one end of a paintbrush from the other but some of the décor does come across as a bit tacky, not least the overwhelming book wallpaper in the Library Bar that is a cheap substitute for the real thing. The “imposing open fireplace” was obscured by an ugly electric fire plonked in front of it and the marble topped tables did have a bit of Pizza Express about them. On the beer front, there were 3 ales available, Tribute, Doom Bar and Harveys Best, the latter at £3.50 is par for the area and was good quality. The pub was quite vibrant for a Sunday evening albeit the music was a bit intrusive. Nitpicking décor gripes aside, I felt the place had enough charm, character and cosiness to warrant a return visit only next time I think I’ll opt for the Catherine Bar away from that wallpaper.

The Imperial Arms official site with event details - www.imperialarms.co.uk