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14 August 2018 exterior. (Pub, External, Key). Published on 16-08-2018
Image: 14 August 2018 exterior. (Pub, External, Key). Published on 16-08-2018
Photo taken 13 Nov 2023 exterior at night.. (Pub, External). Published on 14-11-2023
Image: Photo taken 13 Nov 2023 exterior at night.. (Pub, External). Published on 14-11-2023
`Photo taken 8 Feb 2025, pub sign.. (Sign). Published on 08-02-2025
Image: `Photo taken 8 Feb 2025, pub sign.. (Sign). Published on 08-02-2025
Photo taken 20 Jun 2024, award.. (Pub, Award). Published on 21-06-2024
Image: Photo taken 20 Jun 2024, award.. (Pub, Award). Published on 21-06-2024
14 Nov 2023 CAMRA social. (Pub, Bar). Published on 14-11-2023
Image: 14 Nov 2023 CAMRA social. (Pub, Bar). Published on 14-11-2023
31 August 2020 garden. (Pub, Garden). Published on 01-09-2020
Image: 31 August 2020 garden. (Pub, Garden). Published on 01-09-2020
31 August 2020 garden. (Pub, Garden). Published on 01-09-2020
Image: 31 August 2020 garden. (Pub, Garden). Published on 01-09-2020
14 August 2018 interior. (Pub, Bar). Published on 16-08-2018
Image: 14 August 2018 interior. (Pub, Bar). Published on 16-08-2018
14 August 2018 interior. (Pub, Bar). Published on 16-08-2018
Image: 14 August 2018 interior. (Pub, Bar). Published on 16-08-2018
14 August 2018 interior. (Pub, Bar). Published on 16-08-2018
Image: 14 August 2018 interior. (Pub, Bar). Published on 16-08-2018
14 August 2018 interior. (Pub, Bar). Published on 16-08-2018
Image: 14 August 2018 interior. (Pub, Bar). Published on 16-08-2018

Queen's Head, Downe

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25 High Street, Downe, BR6 7US (View on Google Map)
(01689) 852145
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Village pub.

This is an attractive and traditional pub with open fireplaces, dating from 1565, and named following a visit to Downe by Queen Elizabeth I. The pub is situated in the centre of the historic country village but is less than 20 minutes by bus from Bromley or Orpington. Charles Darwin lived at nearby Down House (English Heritage) and was allegedly a patron.

The public bar (Darwin Bar) consists of a large room separated by two fireplaces and with stained glass windows and subdued lighting. The interior consists of a mix of vibrant floral design wallpaper and half wooden panelling, framed prints, wooden flooring and assorted seating with high and low tables plus comfy leather sofas and armchairs.

The four hand pumps normally include Harveys Sussex plus local beers often including Westerham or Bexley and others sourced nationally.

There are several dining areas benefiting from a daily menu which includes home-made pies and locally sourced fish specials. Hot refreshments and cakes are available from the integral tea shop. Last orders for food are 30 minutes before the food times shown.

The back walled garden is popular in summer with plenty of table sets and a marquee.

The pub is popular with walkers, cyclists and locals all year round, as well as visitors to Down House.

Please check the pub's website for any changes to opening hours and food service.

Local CAMRA branch Pub of the Year for 2014. Highly Commended award given in 2024.

Historic Interest

The inn was originally built in 1565 and named after a visit to Downe by Queen Elizabeth I in 1559. This steadily gained a reputation as a stage post and coaching inn for travellers to and from London. By the late 18th C., the inn also had a grocers and corn merchants shop that later became integrated. (The village name of Downe changed to Down in the 1830s before reverting back in the 1940s)

Information for this venue is provided by the Bromley Branch of CAMRA
Previous Names
Local Authority
Bromley
Last updated
21/03/2025
Last surveyed
19/02/2025
Leasehold owner
unknown
Freehold owner
Heineken UK
Pub ID
BRO/12559
Asset of Community Value
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Monday
Noon - 9:00pm
Tuesday
Noon - 9:00pm
Wednesday
Noon - 10:00pm
Thursday
Noon - 10:00pm
Friday
Noon - 11:00pm
Saturday
Noon - 11:00pm
Sunday
Noon - 9:00pm
Monday
Noon - 3:30pm
Tuesday
Noon - 3:30pm
Wednesday
Noon - 9:00pm
Thursday
Noon - 9:00pm
Friday
Noon - 9:00pm
Saturday
Noon - 9:00pm
Sunday
Noon - 5:00pm

Current beers

This Pub serves 3 changing beers and 1 regular beer.

Regular and recently seen

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Queen's Head, Downe

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Changing

Changing beers typically include: Bexley (varies) , Northdown (varies) , Westerham (varies)

Source: Regional

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Facilities
Sports TV Sports TV
Lunchtime Meals Lunchtime Meals
Evening Meals Evening Meals
Live Music Live Music
Occasional
Garden Garden
Walled patio garden at back
Family Friendly Family Friendly
Parking Parking
Dog Friendly Dog Friendly
Not in the restaurant areas.
Events Events
Golf days, brewery trips and beer festivals
Function Room Function Room
Games Games
Darts, shove-ha'penny, jenga, crib, cards
Real Fire Real Fire
Restaurant Restaurant
Separate Bar Separate Bar
Smoking Smoking
Out front or in back garden
Wi Fi Wi Fi
Features
Real Ale Real Ale
LocAle LocAle
Westerham, Bexley
Cask Marque Cask Marque
Beer Festival Beer Festival
Transport
Close to bus routes (50m)
146, R8

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