Kings Head, Hailsham

Multi-roomed old school local boozer owned by Harveys that keeps archaic opening times, as outlined below. With this in mind I managed to get a good stop in there during the early afternoon and can report that it’s well-worth the effort to work round its hours. This is a multi-area’d pub with a well-maintained exterior, freshly painted and with a number of hanging baskets. Entering through the front door you walk straight into the public bar section which is fairly spartan but has a large quirky graphic of the kings head (in this case, I assume Richard), on the floor. Off to the left is a slightly more up-market area which features comfier seating, half-length green wood panelling, pictures of old Hailsham on the walls and a dartboard. The trophy cabinet is full-to-bursting so they must get some success in the local competitions. To the rear is a substantial grassed garden which has a number of tables. Out here you’re likely to meet the pub dog, Benson, who will pester you to play with him but he’s good fun. Four Harveys ales were on offer – Best, Tom Paine, Lewes Brown Ale and Armada. My Brown Ale and Tom Paine were both spot-on. Perhaps the only slight drawback was that service from the bar was a little perfunctory. Overall, this is a tidy place and the quality of the beer can’t be faulted. I’d recommend a visit and the bus stops right outside so it's worth a yomp up from Eastbourne if you have a day to spare in the area.