Having experienced the gravitas of the Beehive last week over in Eltham, I decided to try and find somewhere that looked a little more traditional this week.

The Bird in Hand has long intrigued me as it is on a main road in Dartford and I have never been in before.

From the outside, it looks big and, being honest, lacking in anything close to charm or personality.

It was open-mic night and an Irish duo of a guitarist and a fiddle player were belting out The Clash as I made my entrance.

They performed with confidence and sang in the same key and were not terrible in the slightest.

The pub itself was busy with regulars and musicians waiting to entertain, and it did not feel uninviting.

The low ceilings were surprising and the long bar on the inside filled me with promise that I wouldn’t have to wait long to be served. That is always a positive.

There were coasters and other various knick-knacks decorating the walls of the Bird and Hand that made me feel as though I was at home.

It didn’t feel like I was yards away from a busy main road, more somewhere hidden in the country. 

There was a pool table and a dart board that was in constant use, and the bar stretched far into the back of the pub where there were more tables away from the music. 

One thing that took me aback nearly as far as the 96 bus stop outside was the price of a Birra Moretti.

Maybe it was my fault, I was sucked in by the music into an idealistic would where I wouldn’t have to pay more than £9 for two pints - alas, I did.

In fairness, I should have known better and had more realistic expectations, but one can dream.

The Bird in Hand did actually have a fantastic range of drinks available, including a few craft ales that I am tempted to try if time, and my wallet, allow. 

Bird in Hand, Dartford Road, Dartford. 

Decor: ****

The decorations inside were charming. 

Drink: ****

Good selection of pints and even had crafts. 

Price: **

I'm still recovering from the shock 

Atmosphere: ****

Was a good night to be in there and it struck me as being a friendly boozer in general. 

Overall: ****