White Bear

A large, attractive Grade II listed 16^th Century pub which started life at the right-hand end of a terrace and gradually expanded into successive adjoining cottages over the years. The building's evolution has led to a warren of interconnecting low-ceilinged rooms on different floor levels, three with real fires, and a couple of inglenooks; and all with much heavy antique furniture and fittings. Fittingly, given the building's age, two ghosts are said to haunt the pub. Note the two very attractive J. T Davies mirrors and also the coloured leaded lights in some windows. The pub is proud of its civilised atmosphere which it helps retain by a complete ban on electronic games, TV, sports etc, and with music kept to a discreet level. The origins of the stone bear at the front are unclear. One source has it that it arrived here from Piccadilly Circus; another says it replaced an earlier design in wood and is said to be around 200 years old. One thing is certain; it narrowly escaped being "kidnapped" by Polish pilots from Biggin Hill at the end of World War Two! The emphasis is very much on food, but no less welcoming for the casual drinker too. The pub is owned by Brakspeares and so there will be one or two of their beers on sale along with others from the Marstons portfolio. Note that the Pilgrim Surrey is sold as Fickleshole. Food is served 12-3 and 6-9 Monday to Thursday and 12-9:30 Friday and Saturday; on Sunday it is available 12-3:30 and 5:30-9. Views of planes taking of from Biggin Hill Airport can be had from the garden. Hard to find for the uninitiated but a pub well worth seeking out! As well as a large car park, there are secure storage facilities for bikes. Guest beers often come from the Titsey Brewery.

           
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Last Updated: 13 Apr 2014