This old weatherboarded timbered white pub sits in the old part of St Pauls Cray at the junction of Main Road and Sandy Lane. There are two bars and it’s a busy pub with friendly staff. Beware of the low ceiling, wooden beams and steps as you enter. It has a warm welcoming feel and a surprising find so close to an industrial estate. The pub was Grade II listed in 1973.
Historic Interest
Dating from the 18th C, this former inn is believed to have evolved from two older cottages dating from the 1700s. This would have served the linear village of St Paul's Cray with its surrounding agriculture as well as the large papermill (Nash's Mill) that later existed nearby in the 19th C. The Grade II listed entry from Historic England states: "2 parallel ranges the front being C18 and the back C19. The front elevation is weatherboarded. Gable. One window of 3 lights and a C19 porch with bargeboards." Overlooking the once important crossroads known as Pauls Cross, the inn would have served travellers on the main route from Orpington to Foots Cray and Sidcup via St Mary Cray (Main Road was previously called Cray Road), as well as Sandy Lane going north to North Cray and Bexley, and Chapmans Lane going east to Hockenden and Swanley. The main route was bypassed by Sevenoaks Way in 1926 as part of the Orpington Bypass arterial road development. (St Paul's Cray takes its name from the nearby church dedicated to St Paulinus, listed in deeds as "Paulins Cray")
This Pub serves no changing beers and 2 regular beers.
Bull Inn, St Paul's Cray