The Chequers

Just what London needs - another pub claiming to be a cut above your average boozer. The Chequers in London's Bromley area positions itself as some sort of gastropub-meets-local, and I approached with the sort of enthusiasm usually reserved for dental appointments. But damn them and their unexpectedly charming ways.

Let's address the elephant in the room - The Chequers London isn't trying to reinvent the wheel. It's a pub. With food. And beer gardens. Stop the presses. Yet somehow, they've managed to avoid the soul-crushing mediocrity that plagues so many similar establishments in the capital. The interior strikes that elusive balance between "smart" and "old" without feeling like it was decorated by someone who discovered vintage aesthetics on Pinterest last week.

I arrived fully prepared to write a scathing review about another overpriced London pub riding the gastropub wave, but their mid-range pricing actually feels... fair? I know, I'm as shocked as you are. The Sunday roast beef might not always hit the "pink" mark they promise (let's call it their artistic interpretation of medium), but it's generous enough to satisfy even the most ravenous of weekend warriors.

The beer gardens - yes, plural, because apparently one wasn't enough - offer refuge at the front, rear, and side of the building. It's like they're compensating for something, except they're not. Each outdoor space has its own character, though I suspect the front garden is best for those who enjoy their conversation with a side of traffic ambiance. The rear garden, however, is where the magic happens - assuming your definition of magic includes comfortable seating and actually being able to hear your companions.

Here's where things get annoying - the staff are genuinely lovely. I mean, how dare they? I walked in with my critic's notebook and cynicism fully charged, only to be greeted by people who seemed to actually enjoy their jobs. Special mentions to various team members keep popping up in reviews, and I hate to admit it, but they deserve the praise. They even manage to handle children with grace, which, if you've ever encountered tiny humans in their natural habitat, is no small feat.

The pub quiz nights are surprisingly un-terrible, which is saying something in a city where pub quizzes often feel like exercises in humiliation set to the soundtrack of a malfunctioning microphone. They've somehow created an atmosphere that works for both the serious quizzers and the "we're just here for the beer" brigade.

Speaking of beverages, their drinks selection is solid without being pretentious. You won't find any beer served in mason jars or cocktails garnished with entire herb gardens. Just proper drinks served in proper glasses by people who know what they're doing. Revolutionary, I know.

The car park is actually big enough to be useful - a miracle in London terms - and they're dog-friendly, which means you can bring your four-legged friend along to judge the food alongside you. The interior space is deceptively large, like a TARDIS that serves beer, meaning you can usually find a table even during peak times.

What really grinds my gears is that I can't find enough to properly complain about. Yes, the vegan options could be more extensive (welcome to every pub in Britain), and occasionally the roast beef plays fast and loose with the definition of "pink," but these are quibbles rather than dealbreakers.

For context, The Chequers sits in that sweet spot between "local boozer" and "destination pub" in London's Bromley area. It's the kind of place you could bring your picky in-laws, your rowdy friends, or even a first date (if you're brave enough to test their pub compatibility early on).

Look, I don't want to like The Chequers London. It goes against everything I stand for as a professional cynic. But if you're in the area and in need of a reliable pub that won't break the bank or your spirit, you might as well give it a shot. Just don't blame me when you find yourself becoming a regular. I'll probably see you there, pretending I'm only there for "research purposes."