Luckily, Bromley is not short of independent boozers which serve up a real community spirit alongside their pints – and we are spotlighting five of the best-rated.
Ranging from modern micropubs to historic ale houses, these five pubs all secure consistently high ratings on TripAdvisor and Google, and some have even had recognition in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide.
Five top-rated independent and family-run pubs in Bromley
The Cockpit, Chislehurst – 4.8
Adam Miller and Reeva Steadman from The Cockpit in Chislehurst in 2023 (Image: Emma Fradgley)
The Cockpit is Chislehurst’s first micropub, which opened at a former florist’s in Royal Parade nearly six years ago.
The much-loved independent scores a high 4.8 stars on both Google and TripAdvisor, and has frequently been recognised by CAMRA as a top place to enjoy real cask beer.
The Jolly Woodman, Beckenham – 4.7
The Jolly Woodman is in Chancery Lane (Image: Google Maps)
Built in 1840 as an ale house, The Jolly Woodman is now a friendly, family-run pub tucked away in Chancery Lane – a historic street dating back to at least the 17th century.
It is rated 4.7 stars on Google and 4.6 on TripAdvisor, with recent five-star reviews describing it as a “cracking pub” with a “fantastic atmosphere”.
One Inn The Wood, Petts Wood – 4.7
Inside One Inn The Wood (Image: OITW)
A long-standing micropub which has been pulling pints since 2014, One Inn The Wood serves local and national real ales produced in small breweries.
The boozer gets a 4.6 star rating on TripAdvisor and a 4.7 on Google, while it was also highlighted in CAMRA’s 2026 Good Beer Guide.
Star & Garter, Bromley – 4.5
Star & Garter is an independent high street pub (Image: Google Maps)
Star & Garter sits on Bromley High Street, offering a range of cask ales which were “previously rarely seen in Bromley”, according to CAMRA.
It is another independent pub which was recognised in CAMRA’s most recent Good Beer Guide and scores 4.5 stars from more than 600 reviews on Google.
The Shortlands Tavern, Shortlands- 4.4
The Shortlands Tavern is right by the station (Image: Google Maps)
A traditional pub in the Shortlands village area, The Shorthands Tavern is just a few minutes away from the station, displaying a pretty floral display in the summer.
The independent secures a 4.4-star rating on Google, with reviewers frequently mentioning its “warm, welcoming atmosphere” and “delicious” food.
