The Stag, Hastings

Back street Sheps pub approached by steep stairs. Its rather small inside and is still a traditional local type pub amongst the timed framed buildings in the Old Town. Well enough away from the tourist areas but still close to the sea front, its dark & secluded with comfortable seating and just the right amount of musk.

The blurb on a chalkboard outside the front of the Stag claims that this pub was built 1547 which makes it the oldest pub in Hastings. Some steep steps lead up to the entrance and the front bar that has an interesting fireplace. Being a Shepherd Neame pub the draught available was Oranjeboom, Thatchers Gold, Guinness and Hurlimann lager. There are four hand pumps and these were drawing three SN ales and Thatchers Heritage Cider. There is another smaller bar at the rear that has another two hand pumps that were drawing Bishops Finger and Spitfire. There was a bit of a whiff of old cooking fat in this bar so I didn’t hang around long. The food is served during lunchtimes and evenings and on Sundays the kitchen is open From Midday until 17:00. The pub has extended hours until midnight every night except Sundays when closing is at 23:00. There were only four or five locals in the pub during my visit at around 21:00 last night (Saturday), but there is a raised decked area out the back that is covered by a jumbrella and this area was very busy with a younger crowd. I found the barman to be friendly and the locals were harmless enough, but I’m not a massive Shepherd Neame fan so I’ll not be rushing back.