The Royal Oak, Rusper

A quick addendum as regards the Oak's addition of B 'n' B facilities: during 2012 three double bedrooms were opened for business and, having stayed overnight in one two Saturdays ago, I'm happy to report that they are most-satisfactory. On the bijou side, but more than enough especially for single occupancy, the room had an en-suite shower and the bed was very comfortable. On a winter's morning there was considerable pleasure in waking up in a cosy room in Friday Street, topped-off by a superb (and generous) breakfast cooked by Sara and served by Clive. All in all, not bad for £45 a night.

For those of us who don't live nearby but want to enjoy the Oak's ongoing ale fest, the accommodation is an absolute boon and neatly side-steps the awkward drinking 'n' driving issue. I shall certainly be availing myself again in 2013.

Oh, and the other individual in the anti-Oak camp of N Sussex CamRA is apparently one Rex Gibbons. I'm advised that he may be stepping down soon - perhaps a case of good riddance if he does; maybe they'll get someone more sensible and less vindictive replace him?....

1 Jan 2013 16:35

The Red Lion, Lenham

My first drop-in was made here yesterday, on the recommendation of a fellow qhaffer and deciding to leave the smarter but somehow more corporate-looking Dog & Bear nearby. A picturesque, seemingly timeless Kent village such as this needs a more traditional, community-focused pub at its disposal, and happily the Red Lion fits that bill. A warm welcome is found here, alongside sound service in general. A pleasant hubbub of conversation emanates from each of the four sides of what is effectively an island bar area, with more intimate seating areas and a function room away from it. This, coupled with the civil clientele and traditional Victorian country pub decor make for a happy hostelry (yes, it is "dated" but rather appropriately and deliberately so surely - and it is not in bad condition).

The usual array of non-cask beer and other beverages aside, the cask ale offerings were disappointingly generic (Harvey's Best, Sharp's Doom Bar, Tim Taylor's Landlord and Fuller's London Pride), which may suit less-adventurous beer drinkers but in a county now bestrewn with brilliant breweries the more-informed types will feel underwhelmed. Nevtheless, our Harvey's halves were all conditioned properly.

Food-wise, I've little to say as we didn't decide to eat here. I believe a reasonable mix of meals were chalked up on the board though which may be worth investigating.

Certainly a fine pub to visit in winter-time, for a cosy bit o' banter with friends. My only suggestion would be to perhaps supply some more local beers if the conditions of your tie allows any workable leeway for it.

29 Dec 2012 15:38

Farriers Arms, Mersham

A welcoming pub which now has a smart modern edge while still retaining a countryish, cosy feel to it once inside. Plainly, much investment has been ploughed in to the Farriers recently, and by and large one must agree that it has been worthwhile. Besides the bar and interior design, there is the small but surprisingly prolific Farriers micro-brewery. I'm happy to say I have a visit lined up for late January 2013, but havein the meantime at least enjoyed their Christmas Ale at 4.8% - a real charmer and rather more sessionable than most winter seasonal offerings.

Four cask ales were on and all those we sampled were nicely-kept and very Kentish. Food was not needed nor served, though the menu sounded appealing at a glance; I do hope the quality and value issues mentioned on here previously are being attended to as there's no point spoiling this ship for a ha'porth of tar.

Excellent work overall folks - should be back soon.

29 Dec 2012 15:21