Chatterton Arms, Bromley

Our rating: FAP Rating 2 - Click for an explanation of our ratings User rating: Not rated yet! - Click for an explanation of our ratings (1 review)
View:
Photo
Map
Streetview
FancyaPint?'s review...
FAP Rating 2 - Click for an explanation of our ratings
The pub mentioned in Hanif Kureishi's 1990 novel "The Buddha of Suburbia", the "Chat" has so far avoided fancyapint?'s critical ink, partly because it's off the beaten track, but also because it once had a rough reputation. On our last visit, a live football match precluded any sort of objective review. That was the last time we saw an old friend, since sadly departed far too young (RIP KO'D). The Chat has recently had a revamp while retaining its scruffy edges and antiquated touches such as the dim hanging lamps, Victorian-style bar and vestiges of separate public and saloon bars. To this the new owners have added plush settees and flowers (some real, some not). And it works - helped by a lack of "gastro": they still don't serve food, although there is a wealth of eateries on Chatterton Road, including two Indians right opposite. To their left as you look out is a chemist's with an old-style wall advert reading "Wallace & Pring, for chemist's things", which made us smile. Other touches such as an adults'/kids' book exchange have also been preserved. There's a pleasant beer garden with a lawn, and we understand children's play facilities are forthcoming. "Eclectic" doesn't do the music justice - we had Erasure, Max Bygraves and Roland Rat (!). Overall a decent community pub, which remains a little coarse, but welcoming of locals and visitors alike. Our only gripe is the pricing - £3.05 for IPA is steep for a locals' pub in what is, despite the recently erected "Chatterton Village" road signs, one of the less affluent parts of central Bromley.
Reviewed by 02 Dec 2009    Helpful? yes/no
User reviews
Contact details

41 Chatterton Road, Bromley, London, BR2 9QW

020 8464 9153

Features:

How to get there
Door-to-door journey planner
How to find the Chatterton Arms pub

The nearest station is (marginally) Bickley, on the Victoria line. From here, head right down Southborough Road, then take the third right (Southlands Road). Head down here for around 1/2 mile and turn left into Chatterton Road. The pub is a short way down here, on the left-hand side. To save shoe leather, head to Bromley South (the preceding stop) then take any of the buses which head up Masons Hill/ Bromley Common. After around 1km, alight at the stop marked "Southlands Road". Head left down either Southlands Road or Walpole Road, then turn right into Chatterton Road.

Is this your pub? Claim this listing to add your pub's web site, more photos or other information about your pub.
History
27 May 11 Updated by piranha