Tucked between barbers, carpet shops and convenience stores, a growing band of micropubs has reshaped how locals enjoy a pint — no loud music, no huge sprawling spaces, just well-kept beer, personal service and good conversation.
Each one has its own backstory and character, and with five venues all within walking distance, Sidcup now plays host to one of the best micropub crawls in south east London.
The Broken Drum
308 Westwood Lane, Blackfen
Start off in Blackfen at The Broken Drum, the third micropub to open in Bexley and a long-standing favourite with real ale drinkers.
The name may sound rowdy, but the vibe is anything but. There’s no music, no fruit machines and no distractions from the main attraction: changing cask ales served straight from the barrel.
The pub makes its approach clear from the start: “We encourage good conversation and only sell the finest real ales in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.”
You won’t find regulars glued to screens or drowning out the bar staff — just a small, well-run space where the beer does the talking. It’s a classic micropub in the truest sense.
The Hangar
37 The Oval, Sidcup
Next stop is The Hangar, located in The Oval and run by Clif and Steph, who returned to the pub trade after a long break.
The couple converted what was once a carpet shop into a bright, welcoming space that now features in the Good Beer Guide.
“We had no idea how popular The Hangar was going to be,” Clif told the News Shopper, “but it very quickly became a busy, community hub with lots of lovely regulars.”
There’s a strong focus on variety. Alongside rotating cask and craft beers, the pub serves premium lager, wine, and a creative cocktail list, including their signature Hangar Wallbanger.
A well-kept garden with heaters and a retractable roof makes it a year-round venue, and a popular choice for private hire.
The Halfway House
188c Halfway Street, Sidcup
From there, head south to The Halfway House. This family-run micropub is small, sociable and full of charm.
It offers a regularly changing selection of craft beers, real ales, ciders and gins, along with a tight list of wines for those less hop-inclined.
There’s no kitchen but snacks are usually available and the venue welcomes dogs, making it one of the more relaxed and accessible stops on the crawl.
“We are a family-run micro pub… an ideal place to enjoy good company and good drinks,” say the owners.
The Hackney Carriage
165 Station Road, Sidcup
The Hackney Carriage opened in 2016 and quickly became one of the area’s most recognisable micropubs.
Named after the London black cab, it was set up by owner Liz Twort in what used to be a school uniform shop.
The result is a tight-knit venue that keeps things simple and traditional.
It was named Cider Pub of the Year in both 2017 and 2018 and continues to specialise in real ale, cider and a no-nonsense approach to service.
There’s no music and no gimmicks, just solid drinks and a friendly welcome. Its location near Sidcup station also makes it a convenient stop for commuters.
The Hopper’s Hut
1 Invicta Parade, Sidcup High Street
Finish the route at The Hopper’s Hut, named after the basic wooden huts used by hop-pickers a century ago in the fields around Bexley and Foots Cray.
The pub leans into that history but adds a global twist. Owners Rebecca and Simon have assembled one of the most ambitious drinks lists in town.
Real ale is poured directly from the cask, with craft beer on keg, a huge range of bottled and canned imports, and more than 70 spirits. Red, white and rosé wines are also available, as well as Prosecco and a selection of soft drinks from Fentimans.
What sets this place apart is its exclusive imports.
The Hopper’s Hut is the only UK stockist of several products from French microbrewery Au P’tit Brasseur D’Argentonnay, including their Mon Chéri beer and citrus gin. It’s a fitting final stop with a local heart and international flair.
How to walk it
The crawl covers about 2.7 miles in total and takes around an hour of walking time. It might be a tad long for a bar crawl but its worth it for the enthusiasts.
From The Broken Drum, it’s a 11 minute walk to The Hangar. Another 20 minutes brings you to The Halfway House. The next leg, to The Hackney Carriage, is around 18 minutes, before a final 20-minute stroll to The Hopper’s Hut on Sidcup High Street.
Each venue brings something different, but all five share the same focus on well-kept drinks, small-scale hospitality and a sense of place. Whether you do them all in one go or space them out over a weekend, Sidcup’s micropubs offer a route well worth exploring.
Be sure to check opening hours before setting off and plan your journey home in advance.
Honourable Mentions
If you fancy stretching the crawl a bit further, two nearby micropubs offer plenty of charm and are worth a visit.
The Silver Fox Micropub
4 Montpelier Avenue, Bexley
Run by Niki Frost and Simon Fox, this former launderette is now a cosy pub with a personal touch. The couple, who opened it in July 2020, did most of the work themselves and aimed to create a place for good conversation and community.
Expect craft beer, cocktails, wines, and their own house shots like the indulgent Silver Fox. It’s dog-friendly too, with water bowls and gravy bones at the ready.
The Bolthole Micropub
Falconwood Parade, Welling
Once an insurance office, now a laid-back pub for over-21s. Owners Dan and Jen transformed the space in 2019 and have built a loyal following.
The drinks list includes rotating beers, wines, spirits, and cocktails, and the relaxed, grown-up setting makes it a great detour for those heading back via Welling or Bexley.
