Not often does a pub send me through quite such a spectrum of emotions as The Anchor.

Approaching the pub, I was initially buoyed by the look of the place. Its appearance is rather impressive with a white facade and some wood cladding.

A decent-sized car park was a plus for a pub that looked like a genuine dining option. The fact the signage all says Freehouse filled me with joy and dreams of ales too.

My stomach was rumbling with anticipation for a big blow-out.

Then I went inside and felt like a balloon that had just been stabbed with a pin.

‘Is this it?’ was my initial reaction.

The pub was deceptively narrow with dirty, chipped paintwork and a knackered carpet.

Heartbreakingly, there were only a couple of lacklustre ales on tap – one I’m led to believe from the pump clip was simply called ‘Bitter’ – though there was more variety in bottle form.

Straightaway reaching for a menu, it was another case of flattering to deceive.

For starters, the first one I opened was missing half its pages. It wasn’t immediately obvious and I was nearly duped into ordering from a very narrow selection.

But once I found a complete copy, the hardback This is Your Life-style red books advertised some great meals. I fancied a big, dirty burger and thankfully there were lots on the list.

Only when I got to the bar did I discover that burgers and sausages were off the menu.

Having ordered my second choice, I had a little wait to get accustomed to the place and found my opinions softening somewhat.

It’s pretty clear that the owners of The Anchor were keen to make the pub as welcoming and fun as possible.

There’s a dartboard, big screens and lots of signs for the likes of quizzes and a poker league. The function room was booked out while I was there too.

It was obvious too that The Anchor is beloved by regulars. Up to a dozen or so pleasant folk of all ages strolled through at various stages all to order food and it was clear they were not first time visitors.

Some were even keen to make new friends, such as the chap who regaled a complete stranger nearby with the blood-spattered story of how he went blind in one eye.

It’s selfish I know, but I could have done without that while I was negotiating a sea of barbecue sauce.

My opinion of The Anchor ebbed and flowed during my visit but its genuinely pleasant atmosphere – including one of the most charming barmen you’ll ever find – and some decent, unpretentious nosh left me pretty satisfied.

The Anchor, Bridgen Road, Bexley

How it rated:

Decor ** Needs love inside

Staff ***** Such a nice guy. Top service.

Atmosphere ***** Couldn’t have been more welcoming.

Food *** Decent but no burgers

Drink * Shoddy for a Freehouse

Price *** Perfectly reasonable