I HAVE to say I'm not convinced by Bluewater shopping centre. To me, and I'm sure I'm not alone here, the idea of spending a day wandering around a maze of shops and restaurants set in the middle of a chalk quarry is nothing short of an unmitigated nightmare.

But you'll be happy to hear that just minutes away from this giant cash-making beast, there are still good old-fashioned drinking holes...

Unless you live in the area, you've probably never heard of the village of Bean.

This tranquil and picturesque settlement sits just outside the M25 to the south of Dartford - and just minutes from the hellish portals of Bluewater.

I was joined for the day by one of my trusted associates in the spying game and his son - my new undercover emissary known only as Mini-PubSpy (aged two).

Many pubs make a fuss about kids, and often with good reason. Having a load of excitable ten-year-olds running around the bar screaming is not conducive to a good atmosphere.

However, I see nothing wrong with taking small toddlers to pubs if they are kept under control.

The Black Horse proved a good venue to take my junior drinking buddy. The service at the bar was hospitable and the regulars friendly and welcoming - they didn't bat an eyelid towards our young companion.

I'd go so far as to say the atmosphere when we visited was nothing short of excellent.

This is a local's pub which welcomes outsiders - something which I'd say is all too rare in this day and age.

Next time you get dragged along to Bluewater, why not seek out The Black Horse for a touch of normality and a decent pint - I'm sure you won't be disappointed.