There are certain warning signs I have always thought one should look out for when choosing somewhere to drink.

Proximity to a train station, the need for a bouncer and, as the Golden Lion in Bexleyheath has, rules on the door.

A sign declaring what could not be worn, including ‘scruffy work gear’, suggests to me this pub may have had some issues in the past.

Feeling the need to set out ground rules before you’ve even made it through the door is hardly promising.

I couldn’t really tell whether this was a chain, and that again is not a great sign. Caught in the middle between independent and conventional, a pub purgatory that works for no-one.

Screens dotted around showed the afternoon kick-off, but it wasn’t packed in the slightest.

However, friendly staff really boosted this boozer in my estimations.

A chap in a striped referee shirt asked us when we thought the final goal would be scored in the match. Pay a pound and the winner gets the pot. I had never heard of this before, and it was a novel way of making a drab game – and dare I say pub – a bit more exciting.

This particular barman remembered our order and asked those words we all like to hear: “Same again?”

The drinks themselves were as standard as it comes. Several interchangeable lagers dotted with a few ciders, the basics for a pub.

A San Miguel and a Fosters came to £7.30, £3.00 for the Fosters which seemed fair enough - £4.30 for a San Miguel is a little harder to take.

Punters seemed happy enough with the Golden Lion. It doesn’t really fit the bill as a chain, but there was no charm that you find in a traditional boozer either. It sits on the spectrum as just about OK.

The staff in there however – and not just the barman who served us, all of them appeared to be as approachable and friendly – stop it from being an altogether forgettable experience.

A DJ started to set up as the game finished and music blared out from the speakers – that was the cue to leave.

I wouldn't say this was the 'golden' lion, more like bronze. I wouldn’t say no to going back, mind.

The Golden Lion 258 Broadway, Bexleyheath DA6 8BE.

Staff ****

Really did set this pub apart from other, more average boozers. Good service all round. 

Drink: ***

Average lager choices, nothing really to note. San Miguel is a pleasant addition. 

Price: ****

The Fosters was cheaper than expected and there were other decent deals.

Atmosphere: ***

Empty bearing in mind it was a Saturday afternoon. Maybe it gets busier in the evenings, once the DJ plays them funky tunes. 

Overall: ***