17/04/25-20/04/25 – Beckenham, Bromley, Hayes and West Wickham

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Exploring Beckenham, Bromley, Hayes, and West Wickham’s Beer Scene

Three Hounds Beer Company began as a market stall in 2016 and became a community hub in Beckenham by 2017, hosting events and supporting local artists. Recognised as runner-up for Bromley CAMRA’s Pub of the Year in 2024, it features a welcoming café with a lively atmosphere. Nearby, Br3wery started in 2017, transitioning to a microbrewery and taproom, now offering a variety of brews. Cork n Cask, evolving from an off-licence to a micropub, reopened in 2023 with a modern vibe. Other local spots like The Star & Garter and The Craft Beer Cabin also serve diverse beer selections, enhancing the craft beer culture in Bromley.

Beckenham went from a quiet village to a bustling suburb during the Victorian times, thanks to the railway showing up in the mid-1800s. It became famous for its impressive estates and green parks. Bromley started out as a market town with roots in the medieval period, evolving into a key commercial hub and eventually becoming part of Greater London. Hayes kicked off as a farming village but turned into a suburban area in the 20th century, all while keeping its village vibe and historic buildings. West Wickham has Saxon beginnings and stayed a small rural spot until the 1920s when suburban growth led to a lot of new homes being built.

Three Hounds Beer Company

A bit of a detour for 2 extra visits. The Three Hounds Beer Company in Beckenham started out as a market stall in 2016, created by local resident Matt Walden to share his love for craft beer. By 2017, it transformed into a permanent spot near Clock House station, quickly becoming a community hub celebrated for its events and support of local artists. Housed in a charming 1904 shopping parade, the café has hosted music nights, comedy acts, and art shows, showcasing the lively culture of Beckenham. In 2024, it was recognised as a runner-up for Bromley CAMRA’s Pub of the Year, solidifying its role as a vital part of the local scene.

Inside, the café boasts a warm and welcoming vibe across two levels. The main floor features a L-shaped bar set against modern décor, with rotating artworks for sale, all under the glow of bare electric ceiling lights. The basement, accessible by steep stairs, offers a more intimate atmosphere with whitewashed brick walls, hanging sackcloth, and framed prints, frequently hosting live music and comedy shows. The indoor seating accommodates about 50 guests, with extra benches available at the front of the pub.

An American Tap Takeover over the Easter weekend featuring breweries including Kona Brewing, Tired Hands, Sierra Nevada, Hudson Valley, Other Half, Equilibrium, Trillium and Finback. A huge choice of 20 keg lines, alongside 4 cask options. Was great meeting and chatting to owner Matt. Glad I managed to get over. I sampled a few American beers in here. First was “Crushable Church” from Tired Hands Brewing Company. A fantastic Hoppy session IPA hopped using Mosaic, Citra and Chinook. Secondly was “Star Light” from Equilibrium Brewery in collaboration with Trillium Brewing Company. A super tasty, hoppy and hazy Double IPA. Lastly was “Hop Duos! Citra + Nectaron” from Other Half Brewing Co. Another super hazy, super juicy New England IPA.

Br3wery

A 5 minute walk up the road brings me to Br3wery. They kicked off in 2017 as a family-owned business in Beckenham, starting out by brewing small batches in a garden shed. Drawing inspiration from local history, their branding reflects elements from South-East London railway signs and the Beckenham town shield. In 2020, they relocated to a former mower shop at 253 Beckenham Road, transforming it into a microbrewery and taproom. By 2023, they expanded to a new brewery at 2A Birkbeck Road, with the taproom moving next door to 255 Beckenham Road in January 2025. The current taproom is situated in a building that used to be S.R. Lloyd, a wine, spirit, and beer merchant dating back to the early 1900s.

The interior boasts a raw, industrial vibe with exposed brick walls, a black ceiling featuring modern hanging lights, and long communal benches. The soft lighting and minimalist design create a chill, modern atmosphere. Outside, there’s a lovely pavement area with a large awning and heaters, offering extra seating that gives off a continental vibe during the warmer months.

The bar showcases an impressive lineup of 10 kegs, with 7 of them being their own brews, along with a selection of guest beers. I went with “STRAW” in here from BR3WERY. A refreshing, crisp and fruity sour beer. Very light and super tasty.

Cask N Cork

My first call of the day was to Cork n Cask in Bromley. This place has an interesting backstory, evolving from an off-licence to a beloved local spot. It first opened its doors as the Bitter End Bar in December 2017, becoming the town centre’s very first micropub. After a brief closure, it was rebranded and welcomed guests again on August 25, 2023, as Cork n Cask.

The interior boasts a sleek, whitewashed look with simple electric lighting, giving it a modern vibe. You’ll find high tables and chairs, plus a drinking shelf by the front window. There are seating areas at both the front and back, complete with cushions for added comfort. The walls facing the bar are decorated with hops, while a large TV in one corner caters to sports fans. Outside, a few chairs offer extra seating for those who want to enjoy the fresh air.

A fantastic warm welcome from Kay, Jo and Rob this morning On the bar a selection of 4 real ales served from a cool room they built themselves. I went with “Spirit of Kent” from Westerham Brewery was my choice of beer. Hopped using 9 different Kent hops, giving some great hoppy flavours in this pale ale.

Hit or Miss

A 10 minute walk away brings me to The Hit Or Miss at Bromley Common. This opened on October 10, 2022, bringing back a historic name to the area. The original Hit or Miss beer-house was in operation nearby during the late 1860s but shut down in 1870 after losing its license due to unruly behaviour. The new venue honours this legacy and adds to Bromley’s expanding micropub culture.

Inside, you’ll find a striking modern design featuring blue walls, decorative yellow wallpaper, and wooden floors. The seating arrangement includes comfy high benches and stools around tall tables. The space is adorned with a large mural of David Bowie and artwork from local artists, some of which are for sale. The bare electric ceiling lights contribute to the trendy vibe.

A great welcome from Joe in here and a nice selection of keg beers available on the bar to choose from. In here I went with “Roadie” from Signature Brew. A refreshing, hoppy and super tasty Session Pale Ale. Some great citrus notes coming through from this.

Star & Garter

Next up is The Star & Garter in Bromley is a historic pub that dates back to the 19th century. Located right on Bromley High Street, it has been a well-known spot for locals to meet up. The pub showcases beautiful Victorian architecture, complete with intricate details and a unique exterior. Throughout the years, it has seen the town evolve, enduring wars, changes in the cityscape, and shifts in culture.

This place boasts a roomy, open layout that revolves around a U-shaped bar. Big arched windows with etched glass let in plenty of natural light, showcasing the wooden floors and cream walls decorated with tin beer signs and pump clips. You can find a variety of seating, including benches, chairs, and high stools around wooden tables. The soft lighting, enhanced by fairy lights draped over intricate woodwork, sets a warm and inviting mood. At the back, there’s a well-kept patio garden that provides extra seating, which is a hit when the weather is nice.

On the bar a fantastic line up of 6 cask ales and a huge variety of keg lines and massively ranging in styles and strengths. A choice of bottles and cans in audition. I went with a sour beer in here from Elmeleven brewery. “Born Trippy (PULP)” was the beer, a smoothie sour mix of dark berries and passionfruit. Super fruity and super tart.

Craft Beer Cabin

A short walk brings me next to The Craft Beer Cabin in Bromley. This opened its doors on March 23, 2024, at 18 London Road, breathing new life into a spot that used to be the Lock & Barrel micropub from 2019 to 2023, and before that, an ironmonger’s shop. This new location comes after the success of the original Craft Beer Cabin in South Norwood, which launched in 2018. The Bromley venue aims to uphold their mission of fostering inclusive, community-oriented spaces, providing a friendly atmosphere for all patrons.

Inside, you’ll find a sleek, minimalist design featuring dark grey walls and wooden floors, highlighted by a unique yellow-grey patterned bar counter. The seating arrangement includes tall wooden tables with stools and comfy rattan chairs with cushions, all set near large windows that let in plenty of natural light. One wall showcases shelves filled with natural wines, small-batch gins, coffee, hot sauces, seasonings, and snacks available for takeaway. The modern lighting adds to the warm and welcoming vibe.

Mark gave a really warm welcome today, and on the bar a selection of 8 keg lines along with lots of cans and bottles in the fridge. In here I went with “Still/Sound” from Nothing Bound Brewing Co in here. A delicious hazy pale ale with great hop flavours from Citra and Mosaic hops.

Real Ale Way – Hayes

A short bus ride brings me next to The Real Ale Way – Hayes. This is a family-run micropub that opened its doors in July 2018 in Hayes. Conveniently located right across from Hayes railway station, it quickly became a favourite hangout for locals and commuters alike. Thanks to its popularity, a second location was launched in West Wickham in September 2021, taking over a former soft furnishings store. Both pubs are celebrated for their community vibe and have played a role in enhancing the micropub culture in the Bromley area.

Inside, you’ll find a surprisingly roomy layout cantered around a bar with mirrored shelves. There are various seating options, including high stools, tables, corner benches, and a drinking shelf, all bathed in soft lighting. A smaller room next door provides extra seating with natural light streaming in from a window. The décor features wooden floors, framed artwork, and mirrors against cream-colored walls, creating a warm and welcoming environment.

Jamie gave a super warm welcome when I arrived and it was great chatting. On the bar a choice of 7 cask ales and a large selection of ciders. I went with “Flintlock” from Musket Brewery in here. A delicious, full bodied and quaffable English Bitter.

Real Ale Way – West Wickham

Another short bus ride to The Real Ale Way – West Wickham. This opened its doors in September 2021, marking the second location for this family-owned micropub after its first in Hayes. Located at 75 Station Road in a former soft furnishings store, it quickly became a friendly spot for a wide range of customers. The pub has played a significant role in enhancing the local micropub scene, creating a community-oriented vibe. In 2024, it earned a Highly Commended award from the local CAMRA branch, highlighting its quality and popularity among visitors.

Inside, you’ll find a bright, open space with large double-aspect windows, cream walls, and exposed floorboards. There are various seating arrangements, including high tables with stools, low tables with chairs, and upholstered benches by the front window. The wooden bar, set against a maroon back wall, features mirrored shelves. The décor includes traditional Kentish farm prints and artwork from local artists, some of which are available for sale.

A fab welcome from Tracy when I arrived today. On the bar a brilliant selection of 6 cask ales alongside a great choice of ciders. I opted to go with “Pale Ale” from Larkin’s Brewing Co. A delicious, tasty and light pale ale, hopped with Lemondrop and Cascade, adding some great hoppy flavours.