A micropub in Barnehurst which is run by Bexley Brewery hosts a range of interesting and inventive pints - including a cherry Bakewell stout.
The Bird & Barrel micropub located on 100 Barnehurst Road in Bexleyheath has become a beloved gathering spot for locals and visitors alike since its opening in April 2018.
The pub is run by Cliff and Jane, the owners of Bexley Brewery, and their son Cameron.
Cliff has always been a “local Barnehurst lad” and had a dream about having an outlet to host Bexley-brewed beers.
His grandfather bought one of the first shops around the corner in Midfield Parade in 1928 (Murphy’s Greengrocers) meaning that his family history has a long connection with the area.
In 2020, Cameron’s partner Becky also joined the family business. The team told the News Shopper: “We think people return here for the friendly environment created by staff and customers – there’s always someone happy to have a chat.
“We welcome all of our customers whether it’s someone’s first time in the pub or they come in regularly – we can always help find the perfect drink.”
A small team of invaluable staff members work at the venue and all have an important role in the running of the pub.
The origins of the pub can be traced back to 1926, when it first opened as a bakery.
Over the years, it has undergone various transformations, including serving as an aquarium shop known as 'Aquacadabra' which some locals may remember.
When the shop in Barnehurst Road became available in 2018, Cliff thought it looked like a great place to open a micropub.
The pub offers a variety of Bexley Brewery beers as well as drinks from other independent microbreweries across the country and Europe.
However, it was given its current name by Bexley Brewery to pay homage to its logo, the Ring Necked Parakeet, and its connection to the brewing industry.
As the only micro-pub owned by Bexley Brewery, it serves as a direct conduit for showcasing its beers to its customers.
One notable achievement was winning the 2023 Bexley beer of the festival with their 'Cherry Bakewell' Stout.
Inside the pub, visitors are greeted with a warm and cozy atmosphere with walls proudly displaying the brewery's beer awards from national competitions and CAMRA beer festivals.
One of the highlights of The Bird & Barrel is its beautiful secret beer garden, which has won three consecutive Ruxley in Bloom awards.
The pub also features an events board, keeping patrons informed about upcoming activities.
The pub stocks a wide range of beverages, including wines, gins, whiskies, local Kent ciders, soft drinks, a low-alcohol options and ever-changing choices of beer.
With two Bexley Brewery beers on cask and a guest cask, as well as four keg beers, The Bird & Barrel ensures that there is something new and exciting to enjoy with each visit.
Some of the pub's most popular seasonal drinks include Pimm's and gins during the summer, while mulled wine/cider, snowballs, sherry, and ginger spritz are served closer to Christmas.
In addition to its commitment to beer, The Bird & Barrel hosts a range of food and drink events throughout the year.
These include Ploughman's Sunday, whisky tastings, mini beer festivals, cheese and charcuterie nights, and even takeaway nights where customers bring their own food and the pub provides the drinks.
Quiz nights are also organized to support Pancreatic Cancer Action, a charity close to the family's heart.
Over the years, the pub has attracted visitors from all over the world, including Europe, America, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
However, it is the strong local community and the friendships that have blossomed within it that truly make The Bird & Barrel special.
The team added: “The aim in running The Bird & Barrel is to create a welcoming and friendly pub, where people can have great conversations with friends, family and meet new people.
“We also wanted to create a safe environment for people to feel comfortable enough to come in on their own, or with a group, and know that they will be looked after.
“Our micropub helps to bring together members of the community who may otherwise not have met but have similar interests – a lot of our customers have become good friends through meeting in The Bird & Barrel.”
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