Pub in Chislehurst
Imperial Arms
Old Hill, Chislehurst, BR7 5LZClosest station: Chislehurst, about 9 min walk4.5out of 5 on Google, from 574 ratings
Details last checked October 2024. Things may have changed since.
About Imperial Arms
Fully refurbished local pub with 14 wines by the glass and a selection of unusual beers and ales.
Situated by the picturesque network of streets and alleyways that make up the Mill Place part of Chislehurst, this is an upmarket and inviting hillside pub with an intriguing history.
The warm and cosy interior is the work of world leading interior designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard (and featured on TV in "Million Dollar Decorators"). The theme is very traditional with tasteful décor based around the colours of the French flag.
The main bar area is divided into two rooms but with an open plan layout. The room facing the small bar is decked out with red walls, maroon carpet and black banquette seating, whereas the larger side room has more tables with maroon banquette seating. Maroon window drapes, framed prints and dark wood with fabric and gold-green foliage wallpaper complement the interior. The lighting is dim with additional candles providing a comfortable atmosphere. A discreet TV in the corner shows major sporting events.
Although the pub is geared up for dining, drinkers are still very welcome with up to three cask ales available. With a strong local following, the service is friendly and welcoming. The high quality food is very popular (booking advisable) with steak and seafood specialities as well as fish and chips. The menu also accommodates vegan and gluten-free dishes as well as daily specials and other offers.
The original coach house was refurbished in 2015 with the interior done out in an eclectic and opulent style with mirrors, chandeliers and candles. This now serves as both the Bistro and Function Room. Dining is available here Friday and Saturday 6 to 11 pm and Sunday 12 to 7 pm.
The courtyard itself is a quiet and picturesque enclosed area for outside drinking.
Named by the Sunday Express in 2021 as being one of the UK's top ten venues for its Sunday Roast.
The pub sign shows the French imperial eagle in commemoration.
Description from WhatPub, CAMRA’s pub guide, with a summary from Google Maps.
Features
- Dog Friendly: Not allowed in restaurant
- Outdoor Seating: Small courtyard adjacent to pub
- Live Music: Occassionally on Thursday evenings
- Sports TV
- Family Friendly: Children welcome up to 9.00pm.
- Serves Food
- Serves Lunch
- Serves Dinner
- Restaurant
- Vegetarian Options
- Real Ale
- Cask Marque
- Function Room: Courtyard Bistro when not being used
- Events: Quiz night on first Wednesday of the month.
- Disabled Access
- Accessible Restroom
- WiFi
- Reservable
- Good for Groups
- Smoking
- Menu for Children
- Serves Coffee
- Accepts Credit Cards
- Accepts Debit Cards
- Accepts NFC
Opening times
- Monday
- 12:00 – 11:00 PM
- Tuesday
- 12:00 – 11:00 PM
- Wednesday
- 12:00 – 11:00 PM
- Thursday
- 12:00 – 11:00 PM
- Friday
- 12:00 – 11:00 PM
- Saturday
- 12:00 – 11:00 PM
- Sunday
- 12:00 – 10:30 PM
As listed in October 2024. Hours change, and bank holidays differ: check with the pub.
Good to know
- Operator
- Independent
- Price
- 2 out of 4 (Google’s price level)
- Phone
- 020 3605 7899
Photos
Photos from Google Maps contributors, stored when the pub was last checked.
Google rating and reviews
4.5out of 5 on Google, from 574 ratings
5 out of 5Victoria Basquillon Google, June 2024
Celebrated our anniversary here, first time visit for Sunday roast. Ate in the Bistro, lovely intimate historic building. Service attentive and friendly. I ordered the beef, hubby the pork. Absolutely outstanding. My test of a good roast is the quality of Yorkshire as it’s hard to do well on mass throughout the day. Top marks, soft, chewy centre, crispy top, enormous. Then it’s the roasties - although not at crispy as I would have liked, sweet and worth the calories. Beef was sublime with yellow buttery fat. Husbands pork was pullable and the crackling super salty and crispy. Add that the…
5 out of 5Devon Petersonon Google, November 2023
This was absolutely the food highlight of our trip and definitely worth the effort getting to from central London. The staff was kind and helpful and even brought us in from the rain even though we showed up a bit earlier than we meant to. The atmosphere was beautiful outside and in. Most importantly the food was absolutely delicious! Our Sunday roasts were just perfect! I wish I lived closer so I could come more often! (If anyone in Chislehurst is hiring Americans just let me know!😉)
5 out of 5Matton Google, January 2024
What a perfect pub...this is without a doubt one of the best, most historic pubs in the area. We visited on a Saturday afternoon and we're greeted by a welcoming, attentive team who clearly take incredible pride in running the pub. The decor is unbelievable and the owners have made sure the 1700's historic pub has been kept beautifully. There is a great selection of drinks including a very reasonable wine list and some great real ales. The food is exceptional and way above a "standard" pub offering. The whole menu is fantastic but the burgers really stand out and should definitely be tried…
5 out of 5Sophieon Google, March 2024
Cute and cozy local pub, wonderful food, really lovely staff. And the cutest little courtyard garden to enjoy. Definitely worth the walk up the hill, and definitely will be going back again! Vegan and meat eater approved!
5 out of 5Steve Bullon Google, April 2024
Had our first Sunday roast after a recommendation from nearly every chistlehurst resident today. Top notch!! Lovely food, friendly service. Hope to be back in a couple of weeks . Thanks Becca&Steve
Rating and reviews are from Google Maps, as they stood in October 2024. See the latest on Google Maps.