Best in show: The Chislehurst pub acclaimed as finest for real ales and ambience

The Cockpit in Chislehurst is the best pub in the borough of Bromley, according to the local branch of real ale campaigners CAMRA.

Opened a little over two years ago, The Cockpit in Royal Parade, saw off strong competition from 13 other nominated pubs from across the borough to be crowned 2023 Bromley CAMRA Pub of the Year.

In a year when there were a record number of entries, a previous multiple winner of the award, The Star and Garter, High Street, Bromley, was runner-up.

Adam Miller, the pub’s manager, said: “To win pub of the year feels fantastic, especially with so many pubs lost to the pandemic and cost-of-living.

“Beer is in our blood, but people are our passion, so the whole team works hard to create a place where all feel welcome. With so many cracking pubs in Bromley right now, it is a real honour to come out on top this year.”

With a record fourteen pubs nominated across Bromley, this has been a great year for great pubs and beer, but the pressures on people’s finances remain a huge danger to beer and the night-time economy across the borough.

Peter Norwood, Pub of the Year co-ordinator for Bromley CAMRA, said: “We are immensely proud of the many pubs serving brilliant beer across Bromley. Whether you want a cosy country inn or a pub selling the latest in craft ale, this really is a borough of beer.”

As Pub of the Year in Bromley, The Cockpit now goes forward to the Greater London Pub of the Year judging process.

Pictured top: Proud manager Adam Miller behind the bar (Picture: Bromley CAMRA)