The Waterworks, Rye

"From pump house to soup kitchen to micropub" as the blurb goes: rebuilt in 1869, closed and leased to the Rye Poor Law Union in 1895, and taking on its latest incarnation in 2018. It's now a really characterful little building housing just three tables plus four bar-stools along the rustic counter. In good weather, there are also some additional heritage seats from the adjacent antique shop out on the pavement. Excellent choice of eight real ales in a variety of styles from small East Sussex and Kent breweries available on gravity from a cool-store at the back, from which selection I opted for the Goachers Real Mild (£3.70). Eight ciders from Norman Hunt, Nightingales and Hendersons were also being served on draught. However, making the point on their leaflets that they "welcome families, dogs & people just wanting to have a look around" is a further positive, and as a 'final piece of icing on an already excellent cake', the toilet flush (in the gents at least) is a Doom Bar-clipped handpump!