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Old Jail, Biggin Hill

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Operator: Star (Heineken UK)
Jail Lane, Biggin Hill, TN16 3AX (View on Google Map)

This Pub is Closed Long Term

The pub closed sometime in early 2023. The current operators are STAR Pubs & Bars (Heineken UK).

Now on the property market, courtesy of Fleurets, as reported by the News Shopper:

https://www.newsshopper.co.uk/news/24703041.old-jail-pub-biggin-hill-sale-closure/

Previously, STAR reported the following on 11/12/23:

"... can confirm we were aware of the flooding earlier this year. As a result of the flooding, the pub sustained some damage on the interior which we are keen to repair. Some work had already been carried out ... however we have had to ‘down tools’ on request of the listed buildings officer as they had to grant permission for any further works to be carried out. Although we submitted a full schedule of works to the listed buildings officer, we are still awaiting a decision before we can continue any works."

"Furthermore, we are also aware of the overall condition of the property. It is for this reason it is taking some time to start work on preparing the pub on re-opening, not helped by the fact the building is listed."

"There is extensive works required to re-open the property including the ‘making good’ of works completed by the previous tenant which they did not have any planning permission or listed buildings consent for, and a complete new fit out of all fixtures and fittings."

If anyone has any further information, then please send in your feedback.

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A weatherboarded 2-storey Grade II listed building whose history stretches back around 200 years. Inside, the low beams mean that taller visitors must take note of the "duck or grouse" signs, but the pub is otherwise surprisingly spacious.

It is believed that the building was not a long-term prison, but more likely an overnight stop for prisoners being transported from London to Maidstone. The pub is located close to the Battle of Britain airfield, and contains various porcelain items and other memorabilia.

The pub name is unique within Great Britain.

Walking to the pub down Jail Lane from the main road through Biggin Hill is not recommended because the road becomes narrow without a footpath - use the R8 bus instead.

Historic Interest

Originally two Kentish cottages dating from the 18th C, this served the rural locality as a beer-house. The origin of the name is uncertain but it is believed that prisoners transported from the London courts to Maidstone Prison may have been lodged here. There is evidence that French prisoners of war were held there during Napoleonic times. In the 19th C, this was also referred to as the "Old Gaol". Later owned by the Oak Brewery in Green Street Green, this sold their Fox & Sons Ales until 1909, whereupon the premises had to be sold at auction due to financial problems with the brewery. It was then owned by Truman, Hanbury & Buxton, then the Westerham Brewery before being passed to Ind Coope. During the Second World War, this was a popular haunt for RAF pilots from nearby Biggin Hill aerodrome. Grade II listed in 1973 by Historic England (entry 1064387), which states: "C18. 2 buildings. Slate roof. 2 storeys, Weatherboarded 1st floor and brick ground floor painted over. Right side C19 chimney. Left side has 1st floor stable door."

Information for this venue is provided by the Bromley Branch of CAMRA
Previous Names
Local Authority
Bromley
Last updated
27/05/2025
Last surveyed
05/01/2025
Leasehold owner
unknown
Freehold owner
Heineken UK
Pub ID
BRO/12597
Asset of Community Value
Monday
Noon - 11:00pm
Tuesday
Noon - 11:00pm
Wednesday
Noon - 11:00pm
Thursday
Noon - 11:00pm
Friday
Noon - 11:00pm
Saturday
Noon - 11:00pm
Sunday
Noon - 11:00pm
Monday
Noon - 3:00pm & 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Tuesday
Noon - 3:00pm & 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Wednesday
Noon - 3:00pm & 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Thursday
Noon - 3:00pm & 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Friday
Noon - 3:00pm & 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Saturday
Noon - 3:00pm & 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Sunday
Noon - 4:30pm

TasteMatch

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Current beers

This Pub serves no changing beers and 2 regular beers.

Regular and recently seen

Harvey's - Sussex Best Bitter TasteMatch Prediction

View beer
Sussex Best Bitter - Harvey's
Harvey's - Sussex Best Bitter Session Bitter • 4%
Sussex Best Bitter - Harvey's
Harvey's - Sussex Best Bitter

This beer is served regularly at Old Jail, Biggin Hill.

ABV 4%
Dispense Handpump
Style Session Bitter
Colour
Vegan No
Gluten Free No

Sharp's - Doom Bar TasteMatch Prediction

View beer
Sharp's Doom Bar Pump Clip-1
Sharp's - Doom Bar Session Bitter • 4%
Sharp's Doom Bar Pump Clip-1
Sharp's - Doom Bar

This beer is served regularly at Old Jail, Biggin Hill.

ABV 4%
Dispense Handpump
Style Session Bitter
Colour
Vegan No
Gluten Free No

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Facilities
Lunchtime Meals Lunchtime Meals
Evening Meals Evening Meals
Garden Garden
Family Friendly Family Friendly
Disabled Access Disabled Access
Parking Parking
Dog Friendly Dog Friendly
Function Room Function Room
Games Games
Real Fire Real Fire
Wi Fi Wi Fi
Features
Cask Ale Cask Ale
Quiet Quiet
Transport
Close to bus routes (10m)
R8
Ordnance Survey Reference

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