please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Under Tom and Ollie who have been the landlords since 2017 the pub has gone from strength to strength whilst maintaining the appeal of a traditional small country pub.
If you haven't visited since lockdown times ended then I recommend you come back and take a look at the Three Moles tree carving (yes really) in the car park, the subtle but significant improvements that have been going on, and enjoy a pint of ale and maybe something to eat.
Still a a real pub with a wonderful atmosphere.
andy8 - 21 Nov 2022 11:02 |
The Three Moles is tucked away around a mile off the main road. From what I've seen of Sussex so far, the best pubs tend to be those away from the main drags and the Three Moles was no exception. It was one of the two standout pubs we visited yesterday. The pub is reached via steps. A car park is opposite. It has the feel of a typical railway establishment, as it's situated near to an old railway station. Only 2 ales were on - Bowman Swift One & Skinners Betty Stogs. There was also Sandford Orchards Devon Scrumpy. A beer festival had been held in a tent to the side of the pub the previous weekend.
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Great - the Three Moles is under new management and they are running the traditional Three Moles beer festival in the garden on 21, 22, 23 June 2013.
New landlord and landlady very pleasant and doing a range of light bites as well as their good old Betty Stogs beer.
andy8 - 19 Jun 2013 15:26 |
Thank goodness, back to being a nice cosy pub, but without the spiders I gave free board & lodging to! Nice to see that Betty is still queen of Selham
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Now that this gem of a country pub is under new ownership it is as good as it ever was before Val left. Certainly a pub for the discerning drinkers (Skinners Betty Stogs still rules alongside one from Bowmans & an ever changing guest) & those who enjoy banter with the locals.
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Nice Victorian pub in a secluded location in the beautiful countryside. It's small inside with a relaxing, traditional atmosphere. 3 ales when I visited: Quiver, Swift One (both in good condition) and Betty Stoggs. Simple, home made food: definitely a pub not a restaurant.
Good mix of friendly locals and passing walkers or cyclists.
Polite and efficient service: as noted below I think it's recently changed management.
Well worth designing a walk or bike ride to go past this place.
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Now under new management (wef 1st march 13).Friendly welcomming rural traditional pub.excellent Betty stoggs and Bowmans swift one.Guest beer planned for the weekends as well as pub food once the new folk are settled.busy and lively on a couple of recent visits.
One mile from the A272 @ Halfwaybridge served by SC1 and Compass bus 99.In the heart of Walking and riding country in the Sd Nat park.
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Scores out of 5
Beers on offer 5 - Beer quality 5 - Full pint? 4 - Service 4 - Clientele 5
Garden & view 5 - Welcome & staff 5 - Parking 5 - Toilets 3 - Comfort 4
TOTAL 45 out of 50 OVERALL RATING 41 to 45 = 9
Comment: Always a good welcome and the beer is well kept as well as a good choice (God bless Betty). As for the location ....wow! Watch your step as you leave though.
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Popped in for the annual folk music day last weekend.The Moles remains an oasis of well kept Real ale:Bowmans Swift one,FFF Moondance and Skinners Betty Stoggs.
The tasty food is all home made with the exception of the pasty which is sourced locally.
The pub attracts a Loyal following of regulars and has a nice atmosphere.The large Beer Garden is very pleasent too.
Opening hours are 4PM weekdays and 12.00 Weekends and Bank Holidays.
Well worth a visit.
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I'm in the moles as we speak, Old Stinker I cannot agree more with your review and you'll be pleased to know that Paul has re installed Betty Stoggs!!!
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I love this pub!
Me and my mate were out and about, moseying around in the car, as we do, and stumbled across this place which he remembered he used to go here when he was younger and well.....
Beer wise I have never been anywhere that keeps beer as well as this place. The first time we went the Betty Stoggs was the best I've tasted, so much so that ever since then, when I've had it elsewhere it's tasted like ditch water and haven't been able to finish the pint, cheers Paul!
Unfortunately Betty Stoggs have jacked the price up too much in their recent price increase that he's had to change it out for Wallups Wood, which to be fair is a good replacement although not quite as addictive as Stoggs!!
The beers that were there last time I was there were Swift One, Wallups Wood and Moondance, they're clean, clear and have a head that stays and sticks to the side of the glass indicating a "beer clean" glass.
Food wise was a bit of a surprise for me because when you look at the menu and the prices it's easy to assume that the food is mediocre but it isn't. It's peasant food done well with the likes of pork belly cassoulet, mussel chowder, chilli con carne and chicken curry at the �7.50 marker, it's quality and is perfect to sort your hunger out or soak up some high quality beer!
Go to this pub and have a well kept beer for once and smash a bowl of cassoulet while you're at it!
Enjoy!
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Last visit was a few years back as near the stop-off of the dragon boat racing. Memories were a good selection of ales, and an ancient narrow bar billiards table taking up the whole of the room to the right.
Wonder if it's still there now ?
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I went back to the Three Moles last weekend for the folk music. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Same customers still going in I note (and some new faces), they are just as rude to me, behind my back !
Betty Stoggs in fine fettle I was told.
Well done Paul and Silvie
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The three moles first under landlord John and his family in the late 80s & 90s
turned it in to one of the best drinking pubs around, then under val it continued
to be the same great pub, people used to travel miles to come to the music nights. i have paid a couple of visits since the new landlords have taken over and it has had a lot of changes none of them for the better. the moles is no longer worth a special trip out, but if you are passing have a look. those of you that enjoyed it under John & then Val best give it a miss as it is just to sad to see.
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Driving is NOT inescapable. There is a regular bus service to the end of the road. The walk of just over a mile will give you a thirst which will readily be quenched by the beer. Just make sure you don't leave too late and miss the last bus!
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Given the change of ownership 2 years ago, I feel a fresh review is appropriate, following what was my first visit to the pub under its new incumbent.
First impressions would imply it has given in to the ever-encroaching demand of the diner, as much of the bar area has been cleared of clutter, and the room on the right has been opened up to form one single seating area. However, this is misleading, as although the new landlord, Paul, does now lay on some food provision, it is limited to only 3 very simple options (soup and such). The Moles remains very much a bastion of the drinker. Personally I am all in favour of this, given the surfeit of rural boozers now devoting most of their effort to the more lucrative food side of their business, sometimes to the detriment of the pint-supper. That said, sadly, I fear that most passing trade in the area (and there isn't much!) probably is seeking the full meal experience, and maybe 1 drink each, and not several rounds of fine ale - if only because driving is inescapable. The 3 Moles' remoteness is its unique charm, but could also be its downfall, as so few customers outside the few locals who have stuck with it consider going. Paul's current outlook isn't especially positive, and I gather he is struggling. Whilst he isn't perhaps the perfect licensee, he isn't doing anything obviously wrong. His four beers are well-kept (Stogs still retains its crown as best-seller), and his place in the 2010 GBG is well-earned. It's still a comfortable and cosy "front room" in which to while away some quiet hours. But all this cannot always beat off the dual enemy of a harsh economic climate, and little passing trade for wet sales.
I do hope he feels able to continue, as to lose this pub forever would truly be a travesty. I daresay the local community would bemoan its passing, but they need to ask themselves now how much they actively support the pub, before it's too late.
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I would like it known that a previous ( and in my opinion libellous) reveiw was not made by myself but by someone mischief making.
I will say here the same as I say to any one who asks me to my face for my opinion of The Moles now - "Go and see it for yourself and make up your own mind".
No I do not use it, but it was my home for ten years, and do you visit your old home once you have moved?
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Really good friendly atmosphere. Beer continues to impress. A choice of Hophead, Betty Stoggs or Wallops wood. All in excellent condition.
The opening hours are changing at the end of the month, the pub will open at 4.00pm and close at 10.00 pm. No lunchtime drinking.
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An excellent "watering hole". Good beer, good food, pleasant atmosphere. I dont understand the criticism, especially that from the previous landlady who resides locally and comments below.
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A little off the beaten track down a twisty country lane, but you are rewarded with tranquility as all you can hear in the car park is birdsong - no traffic and rowdy kids (bliss!). Arrived to a friendly welcome on a quiet Saturday lunchtime and have to say it was nice not to have to fight for a table with an army of diners. Comfortable tables and chairs (old church pews) were home to the day's newspapers and pub games (cards, cribbage, etc.) were tucked away on shelves giving the bar a sociable feeling.
I enjoyed an excellent pint (ok, two pints) of Bowmans 'Swift One' and would have stayed to try the other three ales if I'd had the time. Lunch was an excellent cornish pastie with home-made potato salad, and while the menu was simple, the quality was lovely.
If you want a nicely kept pint or two and some good honest food in a quiet friendly pub, where the locals like to chat about beer, this place has to be on your list. I shall be returning to try the other beers!
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Not changed much since the new people took over, things just dont feel the same here since Val left :-(
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Excellent friendly atmosphere.Well kept Bowmans swift one and Skinners Betty Stoggs.Tasty home made stews and soups.
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Refurbished early this year and much improved. New owners, Sylvia & Paul have created a very pleasant, easy going atmosphere. Four regular ales inc. 'Speckled Hen' and Bowman's 'Swift One'. Beers always of excellent quality. A good range of snacks available. The pub is shut on Thursdays. Well worth the time spent trying to find this pub.
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Refurbished early this year and much improved. New owners, Sylvia & Paul have created a very pleasant, easy going atmosphere. Four regular ales inc. 'Speckled Hen' and Bowman's 'Swift One'. Beers always of excellent quality. A good range of snacks available. The pud is shut on Thursdays. Well worth the time spent trying to find this pub.
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used to be a great pub under val, always something different on the pumps, and we visited reguarly, now the same 4 beers and very little conversation, so we don't visit very often at all now
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I don't know what the moaning is all about !
It's still a great pub, still got a great bunch of locals, still got a curious range of beer, and an interestingly recycled set of church furniture.
Well worth visiting to remind you this is how pubs once were b4 they 'got conversion'.
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Yet another pub of which I had fond memories and which I wish I hadn't revisited. It's okay for a decent pint but the unique atmosphere of the old pub has entirely disappeared.
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Just a reminder - this pub now shuts ALL DAY THURSDAY and not on a Monday which is quite common locally and as had the Moles for the first few weeks after re-opening.! Also does light snacks and the well loved Three Moles beer festival at the end of June was run much as usual.
Yes its not the old Moles but its not as bad as it could be --- just take a look around a few other local pubs that have recently had a take/makeover.
Another good tip - if a review is too gushing about a place take a look at how many other pubs they have bothered to review. Probably none and that makes me suspicious as to who would bother to sign up just to give one good review.... No it does not apply to the 3Moles reviews but it does to a few others in the Petworth area.
andy8 - 29 Jul 2008 12:51 |
Although staff are friendly this once unique pub has been stripped of all ambience turning into another wooden floored void. The guest ales have gone along with the wonderful eclectic mix of regulars and vistors alike.
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Excellent if not slightly different from the Old Moles.
New owners seem very friendly and made us feel very welcome, still 4-5 real ales and the legendary Burrow Hill Cider.
Will be back very soon.
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Excellent, as ever.
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Ok, I'm not from around these parts but as far as the 'clinical wine bar' comment goes (SamRich) I really can't see any comparison whatsoever! We recently stayed in Fittleworth and as always look on our OS map for pubs in the locality. We chose to stop by here after a walk around Bignor and were both exceptionally impressed! Fantastic ales and very friendly locals. The Landlord is a lovely bloke too. Highly recommend the Hip Hop ale from neighbouring brewery Langhams at Lodsworth, it was a real treat to the taste buds!
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Lets hope the last Review is wrong, all shall be revilled at the Beer Festival!
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Sadly no longer a drinkers delight, more a clinical wine-bar. Another jewel lost from our English heritage.
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Had a fantastic evening here last week.
Superb ales and very relaxing unspoilt atmosphere.
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Wow! As friendly a pub as you will ever find with a range of beers over and above the standard of "guest ales" found in the rest of Sussex. This is a small pub for the beer drinkers and unashamedly so. Tucked away in the woods (but with a large car park) you can sit and properly relax and talk to people around you. Val behind the bar is one of the nicest people who have ever pulled a pint for me and my only regret is that I live in Croydon (one of many regrets that I live in Croydon actually). This place is well worth a visit and the Betty Stogs is just wonderful.
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You'd never find it unless you were on some sort of quest to find something that someone had hidden with the clue 'I've hidden it somewhere out-of-the-way'.
And bloody marvellous because of it. It has Real Ale. It has bar billiards. It has a lost looking bookcase with books full of inapropriate jokes. It space for about 8 (thin) punters. If you stand at the bar and spend more than 3 seconds deciding, a regular will fly to your aid with 'pussy ales on the right, working up to man's ales on the left'. Put it on your list of places to visit.
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I was at the Three Moles last Saturday - for the first time in over 20 years - and it was just as good as ever, if not better. Five good ales on, including draught mild. As it was the first Saturday in the month, there was music - to which I added my bit - mainly old folk and farming songs, with a bit of music hall thrown. All from the locals - it was a great night. There's no food, no fruit machine, no canned music - just great beer, great atmosphere and great local people. But - dear BITE readers - be aware that the lease for this pub expires next March, and Val will retire. Keep your fingers crossed that a sensible view prevails and that this pub - almost unique in Sussex - will stay as it is.
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A fantastic cosy pub in the middle of Sticksville, our beer bus visit from the suburbia of North Surry visit found five handpulls on the go, featuring some diverse choices, all served in tip-top condition.
Pub is set in a picturesque woodland location, and features a real fire, plus a friendly pub cat. And a lot of plastic moles.
Landlady is a legend, was completely unfazed by 20 thirsty drinkers falling out of the bus, took us all in good humour and was happy to chat and answer questions. She would�ve had a throwing arm thicker than Steve Backleys after all the pints she served up.
An excellent establishment, and definitely worth seeking out for a session
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Yes, there's no doubting that this is a genuine pub run in a distinctive style that suits it perfectly. It's a family affair here; Val the homely landlady and her son who ably assists her clearly have a very focused vision of what the pub should be - and that is a local, cosy and convivial atmosphere created in what could just as easily be your front room, with a heavy emphasis on a broad selection of perfectly-kept real ales. They don't feel the need to compete with other rural outlets by providing hot food, and other supefluous features which their hearts simply wouldn't be in.
Without being at all pretentious or snooty, this pub is pitched carefully to appeal to the kinds of customer who would appreciate it best. Those who favour lively, involving conversation, whilst tasting superb and unusual ale (name another pub that serves Skinner's Betty Stogs as a regular in Sussex!) in a welcoming environment should seek this out ASAP. Its isolation is perhaps more of a blessing than a curse.
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A simple, two room country boozer in the woods.
We visited on a saturday night when the place was pretty packed with drinkers - though the bar billiards table was inexplicbly empty(?)
There was live music (guitar and acordion) and the beer was exceptional - The Betty's was as good as in Cornwall!
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Excellent small pub which has become my so called "local" Val the landlady knows her beer and it has 5 real ale handpumps which 4 are from micro brewerys and are ever changing around and the other is Skinners Betty Stogs which is on throughout the year!
No food is served her and no music is played which makes it a quiet little boozer to sit down read the paper and enjoy a pint!
A must for any real ale drinker!
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A quaint, non-pretencious country pub with friendly locals who could be described as being a unique blend of idiosyncrasy and idiocy - but don't let that put you off!
anonymous - 29 Sep 2005 18:31 |
Great pub. Viv is a star of the first order. Keep a look out for the labradoodle. Always an interesting array of handpumps. No hot food. A great beer festival at the start of the summer
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