The Cotton Mill, Swanley

This is a slightly unusual micropub, just a short way from the main retail area of Swanley, set in what was previously a public toilet block, now shared with a local taxi company. The pub has a very compact interior with a nice red brick floor that has a series of mosaic tile sections with beer bottle tops set into them. Walls have been painted in neutral shades, with the exception of a wallpapered section over to the left, and seating is at a bit of a premium, with enough space for a high table and stools next to the front door, a rather ugly chipboard banquette forming an L-shape along the front and left-hand walls and a lone table and chairs in the rear left corner. The bar occupies much of the rear wall and has a white wood panelled counter with some pleasant modern shelving on the bar back, topped with a Cotton Mill road sign and with the beer and cider boards to one side. Decor includes a few old photos, mirrors, jugs, an old telephone, a large stamp collection and plenty of hops lining the wall to the left. There was a decent crowd on a Saturday afternoon, including a few quiet kids, which helped create a nice atmosphere, although it doesn’t take too long for the pub to feel busy. For overspill, there is a decent outdoor seating area with a few tables and chairs and a picnic bench or two, plus a horsebox which apparently contains the pub’s mobile bar which can be hired for private events off-site. Music played quietly in the background during our visit and the two barmen were engaged in an intense game of cribbage, which they indulged in, between serving customers. There were four handpulls in operation upon arrival, dispensing Kent Chocolate Orange and Nutcracker, Run of the Mill Best Bitter and Dorking Pilcrow Pale. Six real cider options were listed on the beer boards and the craft keg selection includes beers from Siren, Camden and ABK among others. My pint of the Pilcrow Pale was served from the taproom behind the bar and was in excellent condition whilst my other half loved her Lilley’s Mango cider. This is a nice little micropub set in a fun building and serving a town with a poor reputation for good beer, making it the default must-do pub in town. It’s a very small pub that may get a bit too crowded at peak times and doesn’t quite offer the comfort to encourage a long session here, but it’s most definitely worth a look if you happen to find yourself in Swanley.

Micro-pub in a former toilet block, with just three tables in the very compact bar. However, it also benefits from enough space outside for a much greater number of wooden benches. All four handpumps in use on a busy Saturday afternoon, dispensing Old Dairy Blue Top, BritHop Mosaic Amber Ale, Titsey's Gresham Hopper (£4.10) and the Black Pig Baltic Porter from Wantsum. Deservedly popular, if my first visit is anything to go by.

Official site of The Cotton Mill - thecottonmillpub.com

Official site of The Cotton Mill - thecottonmillpub.com