The Jolly Tanners, Staplefield

Being of reasonably advanced years and having travelled the world and lived in many parts of it I have probably experienced more than most when it comes to pubs and bars. I feel compelled to counter the ralther odd negative review by 'localer'about what I consider to be the absolutely finest real pub I have ever encountered. The Jolly Tanners is for me the epitome of what a local pub should be: Warm, friendly, inviting, cosy in winter, country garden in summer, good value, decent not overpriced food, fabulously friendly and attentive landlord and landlady and frequented by basically nice, normal, easygoing regulars.

There is none of the 'cliquish' feel you get from many country pubs where the locals do not exactly welcome others in.The locals here are always receptive and happy to talk (even presumably 'localer' giving the weird review below).

Above all for me a local pub is about the beer and by that I mean real ale of course. Even though I don't drink much of it, to me it is like a fine wine, to be savoured slowly and deliciously. Chris always has a remarkable range of ales amongst which there is (almost) always one of my absolute favourites.

So what if the fires do occasionally need a log or two?. I am happy to chuck them on myself, in fact I enjoy the freedom to do exactly that as the feel I get from the ambience in this great pub is that it is like a 'home from home'. So what if the pub could do with the merest hint of a makover in some departments?. So what if you occasionally have to wait a moment or two for service? These things are all part of its charm, its atmosphere, its joy, its quintessential Englishness.

I get the feeling that 'localer', would be a lot happier in one of the themed pubs around, maybe a Harvester or some suchlike where all is sparkling and fake and impeccable and impersonal.

Although I don't visit the Jolly Tanners as much as I would like I have, from the moment I first encountered Chris, been treated very much like a priviledged local and feel like I am one and this is the only pub which I have been to in my entire life where I have had this feeling.

This pub is an absolute gem and a joy and long may it continue to be so.

24 Mar 2010 10:20