Carpenters Arms

Pub Heritage Group have recently carried out a regrading of Real Heritage Pubs - click here for full details

Kent - Coldred

Two star - A pub interior of outstanding national historic interest

Listed Status: Not listed

The Green
Coldred
CT15 5AJ

Tel: (01304) 830190

Email: carpenters.arms@outlook.com

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/CarpsColdred

Real Ale: Yes

Real Cider: Yes

View on: Whatpub

Step back to the 1960s at this rather wonderful, friendly pub across from the village pond. It has changed little since being remodelled by Maidstone brewers Fremlins in 1965. In large measure this is because it has been in the hands of the same tenants, the Fagg family, since 1912 with Daphne Fagg being licensee for over forty years until her death in 2010. In 1965 Fremlins doubled the size of the left-hand bar with a flat-roofed extension which brought the toilets inside but this two-roomed pub. Come down the steps from the main road and to the right is the public bar with a light cream Formica dado and wood-effect bar counter (plus Formica top), fixed seating and a brick-surround fireplace. Turn left and here is the saloon bar, with a counter mirroring that to the right. A distinctive feature here is the very 1960s vertically slatted opening adjacent to the outside door on the left. This bar retains its bar back with a 'Fremlins' illuminated panel at the top and glass shelves: there are also classic 1960s small low Formica-topped tables.
A rare survivor - an intact 1960s refit and still a basic drinkers pub. In 1965 Fremlins doubled the size of the bar by way of a flat roof extension which also brought the toilets inside and this simple two roomed pub has changed very little since. The pub has been in the same family since 1912 with former licensee Daphne Fagg, who recently died aged 92, having been in charge for over 40 years. From the front door go down three steps into the small carpeted Public Bar which has a 1965 bar counter with Formica panelled front and Formica top, and while the Formica covered lower bar back shelving and a drawer for a till remain, in 2011 the utilitarian 1960s bar back with ‘Fremlins’ illuminated panel at the top and glass shelves was removed. The 1930s looking brick fireplace is also from 1965 says Mrs Fagg and there is two sections of 1960s fixed seating and a baffle by the door.

The small carpet tiled Saloon Bar on the left is accessed by a door from the bar and it also has an exterior door where you go down 4 steps. The room is almost wedge-shaped with a long 1960s bar counter set at an angle with a Formica front and top, also a pair of handpumps which have CO2 dispensers fitted to them. The Saloon Bar still retains its bar back with 'Fremlins' illuminated panel at the top and glass shelves and there is another 1960s fireplace, leatherette cushioned fixed seating and classic 1960s small low Formica top tables. Note the very 1960s louvres near the door and a tea chest base for a skiffle band which is used every Sat night.

In the garden there is an outside i.e. open to the elements skittle alley (the pub has three teams) with one covered side. The alley is of concrete and has a camber with a difference of 2 inches between the top and sides. The Dover District Skittles summer league has three divisions for men (Sunday evenings) and women (Wed eves). Has up to three real ales served from casks on top of the bar; no draught lager, only bottles! Most Sat evenings a musician (Country & Western) turns up from Dover to play.

There are annual competitions since 1970s for Marrow, Pumpkin, Sunflower (height), Onion with a fortnight between them and cups for the winners - then the items are auctioned for charity. Making an occasional appearance in the bar is the rare pub game of Daddlums (Kentish Skittles) - Dover branch of CAMRA has a table with legs that can be removed enabling it to be transported in an estate car. Closed lunchtimes; Open 6 (7 Sun) to 11.
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