The Bull, Dartford

This well renowned pub has changed ownership since the last batch of reviews but I’m pleased to report that it is still a fine place to enjoy some excellent beer. The pub’s layout is simple and functional, with a single U-shaped room served by a bar located opposite the front entrance. There is a fair amount of exposed brickwork, scrubbed floorboards and dark wooden beams, giving a typically traditional rural pub feel to the interior. To the right of the servery there is a nice, cosy carpeted space with a few formal table and chair arrangements and a large bookcase next to a brick fireplace. A couple more tables have been positioned at the front of the pub opposite the bar and there were a number of old 1930’s reference books propped up on a window sill. The left hand side of the room extends a little further back, past another fireplace and a dartboard, eventually reaching the back door which gives way to the beer garden. There was quiet background music playing during my lunchtime visit, but annoyingly this was competing with a blaring radio which was on in the kitchen. This was enough for me to decide to enjoy the sun out in the garden, which is on a slope and gives fine views across the valley towards the rest of the village. I also spotted a BBQ pit in the garden, although I’m not sure how much use it gets. I think I counted eight hand pumps, although only half of them were being used. Even so, there was a tricky choice to be made from a selection of Fyne Jarl (£3.30), Hop Back Summer Lightning, Kent Spring Wheat and an as yet unnamed house beer, also from the Kent Brewery. The Jarl was in top condition and flew down in the baking sunshine. Simple sandwich menus were stood on most tables whilst a more detailed pub grub list was written on a large blackboard. I never visited this pub under its former stewardship, so I can’t make a comparison to its previous incarnation. However, based on this visit, this is still a pub that is well worth seeking out for its fine beer and pleasant surrounds. Assuming that the problems that led to the previous incumbents’ departure have now been resolved, I would hope and expect the pub to go from strength to strength.

This highly acclaimed pub has won multiple awards and is the current CAMRA Kent Pub of the Year. The original Bull dates from at least 1848 but was situated a hundred yards or so down the road from the present building that probably dates from the 1900’s (no one seems to know precisely). Occupying a corner spot in a quiet village, there is no immediate reason to think that the Bull is particularly special but it thrives thanks to the current owner’s enthusiasm for good food and excellent ales. The ales in particular attract people from far and wide with the 8 hand pumps (and occasionally others on gravity) often showcasing local microbreweries as well as those from further afield. The quality is always top notch and prices pretty reasonable for a pub with such a high reputation. Regular beer festivals are held where extra racks of casks are available on top of the usual offerings. I have not eaten here (apart from a wonderful Shepherds Pie conjured up to feed our visiting quiz team) but it has a good reputation. My last visit saw a few people tucking into various Sunday roasts (price around £8/9) and there is also a Tuesday curry and a pint deal (£6). The interior is generally no thrills, with a central bar and exposed timbers and brickwork. The ceilings look a bit bare and could maybe do with a few pots, pans and dangly bits. One corner contains a library of second hand books that can be bought for a charitable donation. The locals are generally a chatty bunch, especially if you show some enthusiasm for the beers, and the place is also very dog friendly (one of the pub dogs will inevitably fall asleep on your foot under your table given half a chance) although children are a not encouraged. There are occasional live blues/jazz/acoustic nights although the pub layout isn’t really suited for such events. To the rear is a large well kept garden with views of the surrounding countryside which is ideal in the warmer months. One of the biggest prolems is that the pub is a bit isolated and you really need a car to get there (and parking is a squeeze in the village) but if the weather is fine, you can always do the mile hike from Farningham Road station. Any thirst that you build up on the way will soon disappear upon arrival.

Legendary pub! Enthusiastic landlord, terrific beer from top breweries, frequent festivals, curry night, quizzes, beer garden. You really should visit, you know.