BITE user comments - agc2070
Comments by agc2070
This pub has a nice mellow atmosphere and used to have an excellent selection of 36 home made wines including everything from eldreberry to parsnip. The pub serves food and has a nice beer garden out the back.
Ramblers can link this up by Bourne Lane and explore the Walnut Tree in nearby Aldington or walk the footpath through the woods down to the Saxon Shore Way north of Bilsington and follow the long distance path to Hamstreet Station (4 miles).
31 May 2008 15:47
This pub has a fine selection of food and a display of local paintings for sale on the wall. It is a shame that accommodation isn't available at present but hopefully this will return one day as the village makes an excellent base for ramblers exploring the three long distance footpaths.
It is pleasant to sit on the benches outside and watch the world go by, and the real ales vary (current ale = Trafalgar). Bottled Leffe is also available.
The pub is a community pub and therefore does get quite loud at times but then this is surely more healthy than an empty pub waiting to be turned into a cash cow residence - a fate that has awaited numerous Romney Marsh pubs. There are many local teams from darts to pool to quiz teams. The big screen isn't my thing but does seem popular as no other pubs in the area cater for this market.
Oh yes, and the curry house across the road from here is truly excellent!
Pick up a free walking guide from the pub and explore the woods, canal and four other local pubs today!
31 May 2008 15:43
I particularly like the old railway network maps on the wall of this pub. Due to location it can sometimes be a bit quiet but the beer is good and it is is handy for anyone visiting the Hamstreet/Appledore/Brookland area as there are so few pubs offering accomodation in the area these days. The Red Lion is just a ten minute walk along the road too.
31 May 2008 15:36
Although a ten minute walk from Appledore station, the B2080 is a somewhat busy road to walk along. A pleasant way to reach the pub by bike is to alight at Hamstreet and head south, cross the bypass and follow the winding Ham Mill Lane all the way. The church in Snargate is worth a visit too as you can climb all the way to the top of the tower and view the marsh.
The pub is a unique experience and a true time warp. Beer straight from the barrel, no lager, double vision cider (two pints of this and the bends in the lane returning to Hamstreet seem strangely delerious), no electric lights, outdoor toilets, no food, Kenny Everett and Brownie Guide annuals from the 1980s in the back room, etc.
A fantastic pub and a real culture shock for townies.
31 May 2008 15:30
The Stonebridge Inn, Woodchurch
This pub closed around 2005 and looks as though it will be another victim of the 'six pack of lager and rubbish on TV' culture. It is actually the twin pub of the Duke's Head in Hamstreet - look carefully and you will see it is a mirror image. Fortunately Woodchurch does have two more pubs to check out which are both very good and for a real ale trail, the line of pubs known locally as the Hamstreet chain' begins with the World's Wonder, two miles away in Kenardington. Ramblers can then continue to the Woolpack, Duke's Head, Blue Anchor and White Horse with ease.
31 May 2008 15:25
Superb food and real ales. Just 20 minutes walk from Hamstreet village centre on Saxon Shore Way. Nice rural setting.
28 Feb 2007 23:15
The Woolpack Inn, Warehorne
As far as I can tell the decor, real ale and location are the same as always - traditional Kentish feel with hop-lined bar and 18 mins walk from Hamstreet crossroads, opposite Warehorne's peaceful sheep-filled churchyard. The food I had there recently one Saturday was very nice, as has been the case in the past. And the free footpath guides are still available!
I do miss the couple who previously run the pub and the crowd that came with them but I guess pubs are in constant flux just like most things in life.
18 Mar 2009 19:49