Three Chimneys

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

Kent - Biddenden

One star - A pub interior of special national historic interest

Listed Status: Not listed

Hareplain Road
Biddenden
TN27 8LW

OS ref: TQ826388

Tel: (01580) 291472

Email: info@thethreechimneys.co.uk

Website http://www.thethreechimneys.co.uk

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

Real Ale: Yes

Real Cider: Yes

Lunchtime Meals: Yes

Evening Meals: Yes

View on: Whatpub

A wonderful, centuries-old timber-framed pub, once the haunt of ordinary labourers, now with a prestigious reputation for food. Our concern is more with the former! The left-hand bar is probably the original drinking area, hence the utterly simple, narrow L-shaped bench seating with a horizontal two-plank back-rest and fully matchboarded walls. Cold-weather drinkers would have enjoyed the big open fireplace opposite. There is a door (in situ) into the next room where the pub no doubt expanded. A further room to the right has been pressed into service (probably domestic accommodation in former times). The unanswered question is the date of the long counter which spans all three rooms. When did it go in? It is sloping, matchboarded, and has no real datable characteristics. Perhaps in the 1930s as more people came out to enjoy the antique, country delights of the pub? There are major extensions at the rear and right for dining but they do no impact on the historic core. As in times long ago, beer is still dispensed from stillages at ground-floor level.
Has a number of small rooms including wood-panelled public bar and low beamed lounge; casks stillaged behind the bar. How long has the pub been like this - It is difficult to believe the bar counter is in the original position.
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