The New Inn, Bexhill-On-Sea

Like many a 'New Inn', this is probably the oldest building around, although the claimed 'circa 1376' date on the pub sign is no doubt an exaggeration. Anyway, it is set in an elevated position above what is now the A269 and retains a multi-room layout with counters on both sides of the central servery, but recent refurbishments have resulted in some loss of character. Also has a slightly raised but rather tatty rear beer garden. Just Harvey's (£4.70) available from a single handpump.

On Monday afternoon I entered the New Inn with trepidation after being ‘informed’ about its reputation from some work colleagues who reside in the environs of Bexhill. To be honest I found the barman to be friendly and the handful of down-to-earth customers to be harmless enough. The maze like interior with numerous small rooms suggested to me that this pub has been around for good few years. Spotting circa 1376 on the pub sign confirmed my thoughts that this was an old coaching inn. The left hand side of the pub consists of a very small public bar complete with inglenook lined with seating. The offerings at the bar were a standard draught selection alongside Harvey’s Best and Doom Bar. At the rear behind the bar is a small room with seating, a jukebox and a plasma screen that was showing football via BT sport. To the left of the bar is a room that houses a dartboard and beyond is a larger room that comfortably houses a pool table. In the right hand side of the pub is a slightly larger bar with a small TV and the same beverage offerings. At the rear there is some more seating and access to the large rear beer garden. Out here there is a covered smoking area directly by the doors, a picnic strewn lawn and some children’s play apparatus. An advertised quiz is held here at 20:00 every third Friday of the month and there is bingo every first Sunday of the month. Every Saturday night there is a disco/karaoke/live music/free jukebox depending upon what has been booked. During my visit there were signs up stating that the pub would be closed on the upcoming Saturday for a private party. Whilst I wouldn’t make a special trip to visit here again I would pop back in for a pint if passing.