If you enjoy reading please consider “buying me a pint”, this will help to cover my hosting and image hosting and help to ensure further trips can go ahead!
BUY ME A PINT
Exploring the Best Micropubs: Blackfen, Falconwood, and Beyond
I check out a bunch of micropubs around Blackfen, Falconwood, Welling, Bexleyheath, and Barnehurst, showcasing what makes each one special and their focus on the community. The Broken Drum, inspired by Terry Pratchett, creates a friendly vibe in a snug space. The Bolthole, which used to be an insurance office, features chic décor and a private lounge. The Door Hinge, the first permanent micropub in London, promotes great conversations in a simple bar setting. The Hangar combines an industrial look with a friendly atmosphere, while The Kentish Belle, is all about top-notch drinks. Both The Long Haul and Bird & Barrel are all about community, offering warm environments and strong local connections.
Blackfen, Falconwood, Welling, Bexleyheath, and Barnehurst, all part of the London Borough of Bexley, transformed from rural Kentish landscapes into bustling suburbs throughout the 20th century. Blackfen, which translates to “black marsh,” primarily consisted of farmland until housing developments surged between the two World Wars. Falconwood emerged around the railway station that opened in 1936. Welling, originally a stop for coaches traveling from London to Dover, experienced significant growth due to better transportation options. Bexleyheath, once just heathland, evolved into a commercial centre after the railway arrived in 1895. Barnehurst, named after a local landowner, also expanded with the introduction of the railway line in 1895.
Broken Drum
First is The Broken Drum Micropub, located in Blackfen. This opened its doors on April 17, 2015, and has since become an important part of the local scene. Inspired by the fictional pub from Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series, it has taken over a former nail salon on Westwood Lane. True to the micropub concept, The Broken Drum has turned into a beloved spot for locals, promoting a strong sense of community and friendship.
Inside, you’ll discover a warm, single-room setup featuring cosy seating in bay windows along with various tables and chairs. A small bar counter is tucked into one corner, and a glass door leads to a temperature-controlled back room where casks are neatly arranged on a two-tier wooden stillage. The pub keeps a classic micropub vibe, encouraging patrons to chat without the interruptions of TVs or loud music.
A brilliant welcome from Kevin this evening and was fantastic meeting and chatting to you. On the bar a choice of 3 cask ales including one brewed themselves alongside a choice of ciders. I went with one of their own brews, “Gospode Mild”. A fantastic, full bodied and full of flavour Mild Ale. A style I really enjoy but you don’t see around often.
Bolthole
A short walk from Falconwood Station brings me to The Bolthole Micropub. This opened its doors in November 2019 after transforming a former insurance office into a community hub. It launched during a time when micropubs were gaining popularity in the Bexley area, and The Bolthole embraced the idea of fostering conversation and local connections. In 2024, the pub received a complete facelift, improving its visibility in the Falconwood Green neighbourhood.
Step inside, and you’ll discover a stylishly decorated space with cosy green seating at high tables, along with wall-mounted benches and high stools. The interior has a sophisticated vibe, reminiscent of a trendy London bar, with meticulous attention to décor. There’s also a back lounge called “The Snug,” which provides extra seating and can be reserved for private events. They work within the area to create a sense of community having organised Jubilee street parties, Coronation events, Scout events and working closely with the church at Christmas. They also run workshops in a beautiful event space.
On the bar a choice of 2 cask ales alongside a range of keg options. “Hophead” from Dark Star Brewing Co in here, a very light, full bodied and easy drinking golden ale, very sessionable and tasty.
Door Hinge
Onto The Door Hinge on Welling High Street which opened its doors in March 2013, making it London’s first permanent micropub. Housed in a former electrical wholesalers, it quickly gained popularity as a refreshing alternative to the usual pubs. In 2014, it received accolades as both the Bexley Branch and London Regional Pub of the Year from CAMRA. In October 2019, the original owner, Ray, passed the torch to local pals Geoff and Steve.
Inside, you’ll find a cosy front bar that accommodates about 25 patrons, perfect for sparking conversations. There’s also a smaller, quieter room at the back that features a real fire during the chillier months, enhancing the warm vibe. The pub’s simple design and close-knit layout promote a strong sense of community. The ceiling stands out with the added feature to stop echoing.
A lovely warm welcome from Geoff who it was great chatting to today. Beer wise a line up of 3 cask ales, alongside ciders to choose from. In here I went with “Genesis” from Goody Ales. A fantastic single hopped English Bitter. Some fantastic flavours coming from this beer.
The Hangar
A short walk back along the High Street brings me to The Hangar in Welling which opened its doors on October 26, 2020. Owners Clif and Steph took their old PC shop and turned it into this unique micropub, building on the success of their first Hangar location in Sidcup. The Mayor of Bexley officially opened the Welling spot, which quickly became a beloved local hangout, celebrated for its community vibe and a variety of events like quiz nights and live music.
Inside boasts an industrial-chic aesthetic, featuring high ceilings and exposed brick that match its name. Inside, you’ll find a roomy layout with different seating arrangements, from cosy nooks to communal tables. There’s also a back area with a pool table for some extra fun. Outside, you can enjoy a partially covered paved seating area with a big TV screen, plus some pavement seating out front.
A choice of one cask ale on the bar today alongside a selection of keg beers. “Epic IPA” from Settle Brewery was my choice of beer in here. A really crisp, fruity and hoppy Session Pale Ale.
Kentish Belle
My next stop is The Kentish Belle, located in Bexleyheath, opened its doors on March 17, 2018, in a revamped shop right next to the railway station. Named after the historic “Kentish Belle” train service, this micropub quickly became a beloved spot for locals, even snagging the title of CAMRA’s London Regional Cider Pub of the Year in 2019. In September 2023, it transformed into a bistro-style venue, refreshing its look while still prioritizing high-quality offerings.
Inside, you’ll find a lovely single-room setup that exudes a friendly vibe. The décor features solid walnut furniture and a striking wall decorated with William Morris wallpaper, along with fresh flowers and a lovely view of Shooters Hill. An ever-expanding collection of pump clips adds a unique touch to the ambiance. After its 2023 makeover, the venue embraced a bistro-style design with bar stools by the windows, all while keeping its focus on real ales. There’s also outdoor seating at the front, which adds to its community-friendly appeal.
A brilliant welcome from Ben behind the bar today. On the bar a fantastic line up of 4 cask ales and 6 keg beers to choose from. In here I went with “Fascination” from Liquid Light Brew Co in Nottingham. A super hazy and super tasty Session IPA packed full of flavour and very enjoyable.
Long Haul
A short bus ride brings me onto The Long Haul Micropub in Bexleyheath. This opened its doors on August 28, 2020, turning a former tattoo shop into a welcoming micropub that prioritises community. Located in a local shopping area right next to the post office, it quickly made a name for itself, winning CAMRA Bexley Branch’s Pub of the Year award in both 2022 and 2023. This spot showcases the borough’s expanding micropub scene, highlighting traditional values and local involvement.
Inside, you’ll find a snug, single-room setup with the bar at the back. On one side, there are high tables and bench seating for a communal vibe, while the other side has standard tables and chairs for a classic feel. Blackboards above the bar list the current drinks. Plus, the front area has extra outdoor seating, adding to its welcoming community atmosphere.
Kirsty gave a lovely welcome today and was great chatting with her and some of the regulars. On the bar a choice of 3 cask ales and a couple of keg options. “Ēostre” from Kent Brewery was my choice of drink in here. A special for Easter, this was a very easy drinking, sessionable and light pale ale.
Bird & Barrel
A short walk brings me next to The Bird & Barrel, located in Bexleyheath, opened its doors on April 13, 2018, marking the first licensed venue from Bexley Brewery Ltd. Founded by Cliff and Jane Murphy, this micropub has taken over a former tropical fish shop, showcasing the brewery’s dedication to breathing new life into local areas. Conveniently positioned near Barnehurst railway station and right next to the historic Red Barn pub, it acts as the brewery’s taproom, fostering a strong link between brewing and community involvement.
Inside, you’ll find a warm, inviting single-room layout with reclaimed bench seating and wooden chairs, giving it a warm living room vibe. Two semi-glass alcoves add a unique touch to the atmosphere. At the back, there’s a peaceful, decked beer garden that offers a lovely outdoor retreat for guests.
A fantastic warm welcome here from Jane and Cameron and a really popular place. On the bar a choice of 3 cask ales and 4 keg beers. I started here with “Anchor Bay” from Bexley Brewery. A fruity, hoppy and punchy American IPA hopped using Mosaic, Simcoe and Cascade hops. I went onto “May Place”, a hoppy, citrusy pale ale, very light, refreshing and easy drinking.
Micropub Adventures 
1 Comment