Chatterton Arms, Bromley

Our rating: FAP Rating 2 - Click for an explanation of our ratings User rating: Community Rating 1 - Click for an explanation of our ratings (4 reviews)
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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.
Review: 2 out of 2 people found this review helpful
Reviewed by 02 Dec 2009    Helpful? yes/no
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Reviews (12)
02 Oct 2012
Rating 1 - Click for an explanation of our ratings
Went in there the other day and just regret it.
They have changed the bar staff, but not for the better, these lot are just as bad as the last part. They serve you with such a look of disdain on their faces, then refuse to fill your glass with a full pint, and you have to ask the landlord before you get any reaction.
The garden could do with a good clean, there are cigarette ends every where, the tables are in a sad state, and it just looks run down.
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14 May 2012
Rating 0 - Click for an explanation of our ratings
The prices have just gone up and I just can't believe it !
It's always been an expensive place, but this takes the biscuit.
I had a pint of Stella
and a small white wine, with a splash of soda
And it was £8.10p
I just could'nt believe it
No wonder on a Sunday lunch time they have hardly any customers
No children in the garden
And the bar staff hang round with nothing to do
So when you do ask them for something, they look at you as an inconvenience
Why did the 5 Bells shut ?
Where did all their customers go ?
Certainly not to the Chatterton Arms
And also there is no longer any WiFi
Review: 3 out of 3 people found this review helpful
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Reviews (12)

Reviews (12)
07 Mar 2012
Rating 2 - Click for an explanation of our ratings
Well its just a locals pub. Only seems to be busy when there is a function on. Was there Saturday night and there must have only been about 20 people there. Gents toilet is ok, but the ladies needs attention, like getting a lock for the doors might help.
Booze is very dear, no food, and full of people just getting in the way of walking about, and stopping you from getting to the bar.
The garden is a bit basic, and on a sunny day it's good just to let the kids run riot outside.
The bit that says it all is that the owner is never to be seen and tends to have his own favourite pub some where else.
Review: 3 out of 3 people found this review helpful
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Contact details

41 Chatterton Road, Bromley, London, BR2 9QW

020 8464 9153

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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.

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History
02 Oct 12 Updated by shagnastie