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Prince Frederick, Bromley

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Opens at 12:00pm
Real ale discount scheme
31 Nichol Lane, Bromley, BR1 4DE (View on Google Map)
(020) 8466 6741
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This traditional popular back street pub is sited in a quiet road within the suburb of Plaistow, just off Burnt Ash Lane. There is a strong community presence and pride in this historic venue, which serves the local area and is popularly known as "The Fred".

Re-opened under new management on 15th May 2025 following a short closure for refurbishment. Cask ales are still from Greene King.

The present Victorian building was revamped in the 1930s to provide two bars at the front, but the partition between the bars has been removed and the front bar is now one open plan area. At one time there must have been an off-sales compartment between the two parts, as indicated by the double doorway at the front of the building. There was also a back bar, distinct in its 1930s design, with a glazed advertising pane. This still retains the original blue tiled fireplaces at either end of the bar.

Listed under the CAMRA London Pubs Group (on their London Local Inventory) as having an interior of local historic interest.

The back garden is paved and is popular in warmer weather with table sets plus other seating. There are flower troughs plus hanging baskets and pots along with a large sycamore tree in one corner.

The Green Chain Walk passes by the premises, providing a convenient stopping point for walkers.

"Prince Frederick" is unique as a British pub name and commemorates the eldest son of King George II (and father of King George III). Born in 1707, he was the Prince of Wales from 1729 until his sudden death in 1751, allegedly from being hit by a cricket ball. As a patron of the arts, he popularised "Rule, Britannia!" by Thomas Arne in 1740.

Previously in 2024, there was a spirited campaign to prevent this pub from being sold off by Greene King:

https://www.newsshopper.co.uk/news/24614277.prince-frederick-pub-sundridge-community-fights-closure/

Historic Interest

Originally called the Prince Frederick's Head, this former weatherboarded beer-house dates from 1723 and served the village of Plaistow and local farms when the area was open countryside (the first recorded owner dates from 1761). The pub was then rebuilt with a new frontage in 1890. A small brewery is believed to have stood opposite the pub. Nichol Lane was once a country track, formerly called Hollow Bottom and then allegedly renamed after a 16th C. publican. The area to the north of Plaistow remained in use for farming until housing development started in the 1920s. Further historic details about the pub and locality can be found in "Not a Mile from Milk Street" by Andrew J Martin (2nd edition 2012)

Information for this venue is provided by the Bromley Branch of CAMRA
Previous Names
Local Authority
Bromley
Last updated
05/07/2025
Last surveyed
02/07/2025
Leasehold owner
unknown
Freehold owner
Greene King
Pub ID
BRO/12501
Asset of Community Value

There was a pub here called the Prince Frederick’s Head in 1761, just ten years after the death of the eponymous prince. The present building is Victorian and, importantly, it was revamped in the 1930s giving it the appealing character it has today. The two front bars were divided by a wall with a narrow pair of doors allowing access from one side to the other but this was removed in 2015 so the pub is now a series of areas. At one time there must have been an off-sales compartment between the two parts, as suggested by the now disused doorway in the frontage. Both parts have three-quarter height wall panelling and distinctive white Vitrolite ceiling panels.

On the left-hand side is an attractive dark blue tiled fire surround. The bar counters are plain match-boarded affairs and, as such, difficult to date (they might be later than the 1930s but it’s hard to see why they should have been replaced). The mainly modern bar-back, while of a distinct 1930s design the glazed advertising panels at the top are clearly modern in an old style. The rear part is a flat-roofed extension, no doubt, of the 1930s and also has extensive panelling which has been painted a ‘gastro grey’ colour in recent times and the interwar fireplace blocked-up. The small bar counter front is painted a ‘gastro grey’ colour; there seems to have been some opening up in this area.

There was a pub here called the Prince Frederick’s Head in 1761, just ten years after the death of the eponymous prince. The present building is Victorian and, importantly, it was revamped in the 1930s giving it the appealing character it has today. The two front bars were divided by a wall with a narrow pair of doors allowing access from one side to the other but this was removed in 2015 so the pub is now a series of areas. At one time there must have been an off-sales compartment between the two parts, as suggested by the now disused doorway in the frontage. Both parts have three-quarter height wall panelling and distinctive white Vitrolite ceiling panels.

On the left-hand side is an attractive dark blue tiled fire surround. The bar counters are plain match-boarded affairs and, as such, difficult to date (they might be later than the 1930s but it’s hard to see why they should have been replaced). The mainly modern bar-back, while of a distinct 1930s design the glazed advertising panels at the top are clearly modern in an old style. The rear part is a flat-roofed extension, no doubt, of the 1930s and also has extensive panelling which has been painted a ‘gastro grey’ colour in recent times and the interwar fireplace blocked-up. The small bar counter front is painted a ‘gastro grey’ colour; there seems to have been some opening up in this area.

General information about historic pub interiors
Monday
11:00am - 11:00pm
Tuesday
11:00am - 11:00pm
Wednesday
11:00am - 11:00pm
Thursday
11:00am - 11:00pm
Friday
11:00am - 11:30pm
Saturday
11:00am - 11:30pm
Sunday
Noon - 10:30pm
Monday
Noon - 8:00pm
Tuesday
Noon - 8:00pm
Wednesday
Noon - 8:00pm
Thursday
Noon - 8:00pm
Friday
Noon - 8:00pm
Saturday
Noon - 8:00pm
Sunday
Noon - 8:00pm

Current beers

This Pub serves 1 changing beer and 2 regular beers.

Regular and recently seen
ABBOT ALE PUMP CLIP CLOSE UP
Greene King - Abbot Premium Bitter • 5%
ABBOT ALE PUMP CLIP CLOSE UP
Greene King - Abbot

Premium Bitter

Dispense: Handpump
ABV: 5%
Vegan: No
Gluten Free: No
This beer is served regularly.
GREENE KING IPA PUMP CLIP FRONT
Greene King - IPA Session Bitter • 3.4% Spotted 6 times
GREENE KING IPA PUMP CLIP FRONT
Greene King - IPA

Session Bitter

Dispense: Handpump
ABV: 3.4%
Vegan: No
Gluten Free: No
This beer is served regularly.
Spotted 6 times
Changing

Changing beers typically include: Morland - Old Speckled Hen

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Facilities
Sports TV Sports TV
Sky & TNT Sports
Lunchtime Meals Lunchtime Meals
Evening Meals Evening Meals
Live Music Live Music
See social media for diary details
Garden Garden
Large paved back patio
Family Friendly Family Friendly
Parking Parking
Dog Friendly Dog Friendly
Events Events
Bingo plus "Rock and Roll Bingo" every Thursday - see social media link
Games Games
Darts, boardgames, bar skittles
Smoking Smoking
Back patio area
Wi Fi Wi Fi
Features
Cask Ale Cask Ale
Cask Marque Cask Marque
Member Discount Scheme Member Discount Scheme
10% discount off cask beer for CAMRA members
Transport
Close to bus routes (200m)
126, 261, 336 - alight at Park Avenue.
Nearby Station (300m)
Sundridge Park

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