A historic Bexley pub has been crowned best in the borough as part of the CAMRA awards of 2024.

The Robin Hood & Little John is situated in Lion Road, Bexleyheath and has been named as the best pub in all of London by CAMRA three times in the past.

The borough’s runner ups were The Broken Drum in Blackfen and The Penny Farthing in Crayford.

A spokesperson for The Robin Hood & Little John said: “Dating from the 1850's, when it sat amidst fields and farms, The Robin Hood & Little John is a delightful little back street traditional pub.

“The pub has been run by the Johnson family (Ray, Caterina and son Tony) Since the 1980's.

“In that time it has won CAMRA London Pub of the year on three occasions, plus CAMRA local Pub of the year on ten occasions.

“We offer seven well kept real ales, two guest ones plus five different lagers.

“Also, at the same time we have built a reputation for home cooked food, which includes authentic special Italian dishes.”

The pub has been a part of the community in Bexley for over one hundred years.

According to The Robin Hood & Little John, the Lewin family of Sidcup sold plots of land in Bexleyheath back in 1851.

It is alleged that a shoemaker from East Wickham then purchased three of the plots of land and built the pub in 1854, naming in the Robin Hood.

He carried on shoemaking from the pub and then in 1865 Little John was added to the name.

According to the pub itself, the licensee had a young son called John who was killed on the forecourt in front of the pub.

So, his name was used to keep him in the pub’s memory.

Other pubs across south east London have also been recognised as part of the awards.

The Cockpit was named the best pub in Bromley, The Dog & Bell won in Lewisham and The River Ale House was crowned as the best in Greenwich.

CAMRA was founded in 1971 and claims to be considered as “one of the most successful consumer organisations across Europe”.

The organisation’s vision is to help pubs selling real ale, cider and perry to thrive in local communities.

Its mission is to promote and advocate:

  • The production, availability and consumption of quality real ale, cider and perry
  • Pubs and clubs as social centres and part of the UK’s cultural heritage
  • The benefits of responsible social drinking

A spokesperson for CAMRA said: “We do this by supporting and encouraging the beer and pubs trade by running beer festivals, lobbying Government for change, running numerous awards and developing bespoke pub finders and guides.

“There’s plenty for everyone, whether you’re a dedicated campaigner, a beer connoisseur looking to learn more about beer or just want to meet up with friends in your local.

“Why not join the beer movement?”

In addition to pub of the year, CAMRA offers various other awards such as champion beer of Britain, club of the year, champion home brewer of Britain, cider and perry pub of the year and more.