The Volunteer Pub in Bexley

Lovely friendly pub which was saved by customers who bought it and redecorated it. Good food n regular entertainment

Visited for first time on a Thursday evening in summer. Long, wide L-shape bar that is nicely decorated and furnished, with plenty of clear floor space on long side.Beer and other drinks decent and similar price as pubs nearby. Staff helpful and pleasant, and other customers (mostly youngish) were almost all* pleasant, welcoming and friendly.Sat in biggish alcove on short side of the L. Furniture there comprises two low tables and two high tables, which is probably too much - that area also gives access to toilets and beer garden. Resulting traffic made it feel cramped, esp for those sitting nearest the back. Poor view from this area as well. So, will remain in the main bar if we go again.Karaoke with Debbie on a Thursday night excellent, she has a great-sounding system with no glitches (such as out of sync or frozen lyrics) and you just give her your name then tell her what song you want when you're called up. Works a treat, super efficient, fast and no one misses their turn.This was advertised by poster on the wall and dated same day as, "KARAOKE EVERY THURSDAY 8PM - 12PM" (nope, karaoke finished earlier, 1130pm for us). You are also told, "FREE SHOT FOR EVERY SINGER" (but none of us were offered one, had to ask bar staff and were initially refused). There was also a "RANDOM PRIZE FOR THE MOST ENTERTAINIG [sic] ACT" (but although we stayed to the end we didn't notice anything being won by anyone).There is a pay and display car park with space for twenty-five or so cars out the back.*A £100 penalty will be claimed by well known parking sharks Britannia Parking in event of any transgression!*But the parking ticket price can be refunded towards drinks at the bar, on production of the counterfoil. Note that lighting is poor in the car park and it's deserted at night - the emphasis is on taxation by parking fine - not your safety or that of your car.*The only real negative - the ridiculous, highly visible and unentertaining antics of another customer (a karaoke regular, so I was told - so you might be safe on other nights). This person kept hassling other customers (& the DJ) and his presence really spoilt it for my party. He (apparently) is banned from other pubs for being a pita - yet is tolerated here despite that. So annoying that I've awarded three stars instead of an otherwise well-deserved four. Managers will know exactly who this is.Recommendations.*Deal with the annoying person*Improve lighting in car park.Review furniture in back room.Ensue content of karaoke poster is accurate and staff on the night are briefed!Might give it one more go to see if feedback at the time and given here prompts action, but if the highlighted miscreant is still present will give it a miss in future.

Friendly service and beers fine but the cheeseburger I had was tiny, looked like something off the kiddies menu. In fairness my friend's curry was appreciated by him.

Good decor. Nice beer garden. Good selection of drinks. Average prices for area.

Great pub with good atmosphere, friendly, great garden, food, Karaoke,DJ"s and more.

Great pub. I loved it. Dan, the bar man very good. 👌

Great pub. Small but friendly with an impressive garden and outdoor room.

Visited this pub for the first time since lock down has eased a bit, was pleasantly surprised by the food, the football platters were amazing. The whole atmosphere wasn’t too great but thought I’d give it a second chance this week. When I arrived was very busy, was greeted by a lovely young lady with dark hair who took our order and drinks were with us within 5 minutes. An older lady with dark hair who seemed as if she was in charge,spent most of the evening raising her voice at her co workers and was very rude and unprofessional, had a face like thunder. Stomping around like she owned the place. Who I also saw spending most the night standing around or sitting down when there was plenty of people including myself waiting for drinks. Me and my friends all said maybe it’s not the place for her. Again the place was very messy, lots and lots of empty glasses everywhere, also smashed ones on the floor which is very unsafe especially if there were children around. A few of the staff were also very full of attitude and rude but I always make sure to get the names of good barmaids or waiters so when writing a review I can leave a good message for certain individuals, Well done to Tilly, Sophie, Shyanne and Kirsten they were all lovely but the rest of them didn’t seem like they even wanted to be there and we’re very unwelcoming. I remember a man who worked in their before with greyish hair he was always amazing but didn’t see him on this particular day. Was 100% one of the worst nights I’ve experienced in a long time, the place has gone down hill massively and I will not be returning.

Nice local worth re trying (had some financial problems and closed for a while). Wine selection looks good but haven't tried. Beer range is reasonable, some crafts.

Great pub under new management. Nice new modern feel inside and large beer garden. Friendly staff and feels quite a friendly atmosphere in there.