insideKENT Magazine Issue 68 - November 2017 | Page 90

FOOD+DRINK
WINTER Warmer PUBS cont.
Five Bells Inn
90
The Wheatsheaf BOUGH BEECH
www.thewheatsheafboughbeech.co.uk Five Bells Inn EAST BRABOURNE
www.fivebellsinnbrabourne.co.uk The Smugglers Inn ST MARGARETS AT CLIFFE
www.thesmugglers-inn.co.uk
The Wheatsheaf in Bough Beech near
Edenbridge is a Grade II listed building and an
impressive one at that. The owners have tried
to stay as true to its original heritage as possible,
which means that the pub remains as
hospitable and charming as it ever was – with
a dash of real Kentish atmosphere and cosy
surroundings thrown in. The Wheatsheaf
offers comfort, great dining and a good choice
of drinks. Look out for the ‘graffiti’ stating ‘1607
Foxy Holanby’ (possibly a local squire) and take
the time to check out the roof timbers, wherein
there is a rare medieval crown post. Once part
of the Hever Castle estate – a hunting lodge,
it would seem – there is history in abundance
here, and that history even includes a rather
famous visitor...none other than King Henry
VIII himself. Once upon a time, it was only the most hardy
(or most local) people who would venture into
the Five Bells Inn – not because it wasn’t
welcoming (it always has been exactly that),
but because it is located in a pretty remote
location. Today, however, thanks to sat navs
and cars that can contend successfully with
country lanes, the Five Bells doesn’t have to
worry about being forgotten about and is
found regularly and enjoyed immensely by
travellers from near and far. The inn dates from
the 16th century when it was the ideal resting
place for pilgrims on their way to Canterbury,
or travellers venturing towards France. It rests
neatly on the famous Pilgrims Way, and makes
the most of its unique and enviable position
by being utterly charming and unforgettable.
Passers-by aren’t often able to resist its open
fire and beamed ceilings, especially on a chilly
winter’s day. St Margarets at Cliffe is the closest village in
Kent to France, so of course, bygone smugglers
loved to be there. It’s no wonder that the village
pub was known to be a smugglers’ haunt, and
no wonder that it was always so popular.
Today, The Smugglers Inn is just as interesting
a place to visit as it was back in days of yore.
For real ale lovers, the ale changes on a rotating
basis allowing you to try a variety of different
beers just by stepping over the threshold.
Although the interior of the pub is welcoming
and cosy, you can still sit outside during the
winter thanks to the patio heaters and covered
garden area.