The Bird & Barrel micropub situated on 100 Barnehurst Road in Bexleyheath has actually ended up being a cherished event area for residents and visitors alike because its opening in April 2018.
The pub is run by Cliff and Jane, the owners of Bexley Brewery, and their kid Cameron.
Cliff has actually constantly been a “local Barnehurst lad” and had a dream about having an outlet to host Bexley-brewed beers.
His grandpa purchased among the very first look around the corner in Midfield Parade in 1928 (Murphy’s Greengrocers) significance that his family history has a long connection with the location.
In 2020, Cameron’s partner Becky likewise signed up with the family business. The group informed the News Shopper: “We believe individuals return here for the friendly environment developed by staff and clients – there’s constantly somebody happy to have a chat.
“We welcome all of our customers whether it’s someone’s first time in the pub or they come in regularly – we can always help find the perfect drink.”
A little group of indispensable employee operate at the place and all have a crucial function in the running of the pub.
The origins of the pub can be traced back to 1926, when it initially opened as a pastry shop.
Over the years, it has actually gone through numerous improvements, consisting of functioning as a fish tank shop referred to as ‘Aquacadabra’ which some residents might keep in mind.
When the shop in Barnehurst Road appeared in 2018, Cliff believed it appeared like a fantastic location to open a micropub.
The pub uses a range of Bexley Brewery beers along with beverages from other independent microbreweries throughout the nation and Europe.
However, it was provided its existing name by Bexley Brewery to admire its logo design, the Ring Necked Parakeet, and its connection to the developing market.
As the only micro-pub owned by Bexley Brewery, it functions as a direct channel for showcasing its beers to its clients.
One significant accomplishment was winning the 2023 Bexley beer of the celebration with their ‘Cherry Bakewell’ Stout.
Inside the pub, visitors are welcomed with a warm and relaxing environment with walls happily showing the brewery’s beer awards from nationwide competitors and CAMRA beer celebrations.
One of the highlights of The Bird & Barrel is its stunning secret beer garden, which has actually won 3 successive Ruxley in Bloom awards.
The Bird & Barrel is its stunning secret beer garden (Image: BB)
The pub likewise includes an occasions board, keeping clients notified about upcoming activities.
The pub stocks a large range of drinks, consisting of red wines, gins, whiskies, regional Kent ciders, sodas, a low-alcohol alternatives and ever-changing options of beer.
With 2 Bexley Brewery beers on cask and a visitor cask, along with 4 keg beers, The Bird & Barrel makes sure that there is something brand-new and amazing to delight in with each go to.
Some of the pub’s most popular seasonal beverages consist of Pimm’s and gins throughout the summer season, while mulled wine/cider, snowballs, sherry, and ginger spritz are served closer to Christmas.
In addition to its dedication to beer, The Bird & Barrel hosts a variety of food and beverage occasions throughout the year.
These consist of Ploughman’s Sunday, whisky tastings, small beer celebrations, cheese and charcuterie nights, and even takeaway nights where clients bring their own food and the pub supplies the beverages.
Quiz nights are likewise arranged to support Pancreatic Cancer Action, a charity near to the family’s heart.
Over the years, the pub has actually brought in visitors from all over the world, consisting of Europe, America, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
However, it is the strong regional neighborhood and the relationships that have actually progressed within it that genuinely make The Bird & Barrel unique.
A family ran place (Image: BB)
The group included: “The objective in running The Bird & Barrel is to develop an inviting and friendly pub, where individuals can have excellent discussions with pals, family and fulfill brand-new individuals.
“We likewise wished to develop a safe environment for individuals to feel comfy sufficient to come in on their own, or with a group, and understand that they will be cared for.
“Our micropub helps to bring together members of the community who may otherwise not have met but have similar interests – a lot of our customers have become good friends through meeting in The Bird & Barrel.”
