Hill Top Tap, Sidcup

This used to be called the Portrait, the pub sign for which was Van Gogh's iconic self portrait. This is clearly another shop conversion pub, and this one had three real ales on - Bombardier, Young's Bitter, and St Austell Proper Job (a bit under £4 as I recall) with a fourth having a Doom Bar clip reversed. They were doing food during our Wednesday lunchtime visit, with mainly pub grub available, such as cod & chips (£10.50), Cumberland sausage & mash (£9.50). A burger is £9 and sarnies are around £6 or so. I also spotted a weekday lunch deal, giving a main course and soft drink for £6.50 - add a quid to upgrade the drink to a pint of beer. This is a very modern shop conversion pub. There was loudish music; bright lights; TVs all over the place; exposed brickwork; ducting on the ceiling; and a fireplace constructed of distressed planking - not in use presumably, as it would fit in the chocolate teapot class of something that was unfit for purposes as a fireplace. Furnishings are a mix of tall tables/tall stools and cheap looking normal tables and chairs. There's a raised area at the back, and of course there were flags of the world all over the place, no doubt belonging to World Cup Final participating nations. One odd, perhaps even unique, piece of decor was the Ginventory box, in which was displayed what appeared to be vintage gin bottles. Nothing wrong with a bit of originality, as long as it doesn't go too far. This pub fits into the OK category for me - there were some things I liked about it and some I didn't. The Proper Job is a great pint and was in good condition, but I didn't care much for the brashness and loud music. But that's just me - perhaps others would regard this place as the bees knees.

Official site of The Portrait - www.craft-pubs.co.uk

Official site of The Portrait - www.craft-pubs.co.uk