Check out our latest magazine... Read Online

Seventh Heaven At The Eight Bells

Friday, 24 June 2022 07:00

By Helen Stockton

Advertising Feature: Think of all the things that contribute to a traditional British pub, add welcoming landlords, put them amongst picture postcard scenery, and as Helen Stockton discovered, you have the Eight Bells in Hawkhurst

There are certain things associated with a great British pub: low beams, real fires, a wide range of beverages, good food locally sourced and a beer garden for long summer days. The Eight Bells in Hawkhurst has all of those things, plus a friendly young family at the helm, headed up by James and Annie Rogers. They are in their fourth year and have extensively improved the pub both inside and out.

“We just want it to be a great all-round pub,” explained James, “so we are not pushing one aspect at the expense of others.” It certainly provides an all encompassing offer with a lounge bar, dining areas, beer garden and pagodas for covered outside dining. There is a TV for sport’s fans, a play area for young families, pétanque for anyone who wants to play, and seats overlooking the pond and the church beyond for a tranquil drink in the sunshine. They even have their own dog policy so that furry friends are made very welcome but there are some areas that are dog free too. They cater for everyone. There is table service outside as well as in, and James and Annie are just as happy to provide a pint and a scotch egg as a three course meal. “We can get a couple celebrating a fortieth wedding anniversary on one table, someone toasting their degree success on another, with one of our locals dropping in whilst walking the dog,” said James.

The Eight Bells is in a glorious part of the country. On the edge of Hawkhurst Moor and next to the church, it has been serving the local community for centuries. And that service has been fully appreciated. “We’ve had fantastic support from the village over the last couple of years, everyone has been great,” revealed Annie.

There is a firm regional connection in the food and drink too. Local food features strongly on the menu and Biddenden wine, together with craft beers from local brewers are behind the bar. The fact that much of the meat comes from just up the road could be one reason why the Eight Bells won the 2021 Knorr award for Great British Roast of the year. A good roast is a pub staple and one which the Eight Bells clearly excels at.

The seasonal menu features gastro pub classics like Romney Marsh lamb rump, Sussex rib-eye steak, slow-roast pork belly, liver and bacon, gnocchi with local wild garlic pesto and delicious home-made puddings.

In fact, it would appear that the pub has got the balance just right, offering something for everyone. “When we moved out of London and were looking for a pub, this one ticked pretty much all of the boxes,” explained James. And it is easy to see why. The Eight Bells offers a great venue for anyone who loves the great British pub.

The Eight Bells

Address: The Moor, Hawkhurst, Kent TN18 4NX

Telephone: 01580 389039

Email: bookings@theeight-bells.com

Website: www.theeight-bells.co.uk

Share

More from Food and Drink

  • Recipe: Cranachan

    Cranachan is a lovely Scottish dessert which is perfect as a delicious finale for a Burns Night supper. This recipe uses half-fat crème fraîche to lighten the cream mixture and flaked almonds for extra crunch

  • Recipe: Eggs Benedict

    Start the weekend the right way by making the perfect eggs benedict – wonderfully warming for an indulgent winter brunch

  • Recipe: Tiramisu Bread & Butter Pudding

    A feast of flavours to satisfy those sweet cravings, this is a belter of a bread and butter pudding, which really packs a punch! Perfect for Christmas gatherings

  • Recipe: Brussels Sprouts with Pomegranate & Almonds

    Brussels sprouts – they’re a festive classic that usually divides people. Yet with a simple addition of pomegranate and flaked almonds, even the most doubting of Christmas dinner diners could be won over by this recipe

  • Recipe: Chocolate, Banana & Pecan Cookies

    These scrumptious fudgy cookies are a decadent treat for the whole family – delicious after a brisk autumn walk with a warming cup of cocoa

  • Recipe: Chicken & Mushroom Pot Pies

    These warming and hearty fillers have succulent chicken, chestnut mushrooms and artichokes in a delicious creamy sauce flavoured with mustard – topped off with puff pastry. Tasty!

  • Kids Zone: Make Your Own Festive Treats!

    Join Sara Whatley in making some yummy festive recipes that the kids (and adults!) will some yummy festive recipes that the kids (and adults!) will love getting stuck into

  • Recipe: Hearty Beef & Pumpkin Stew

    This is the perfect, homely dinner to look forward to as the autumn nights draw in. Adele Trathan explains how to make this delicious casserole that is baked and served straight from the pumpkin

  • Recipe: Autumn Minestrone Soup

    This is a hearty autumn or early winter version of Minestrone Soup served with a lovely homemade pesto. Containing such a variety of vegetables – it will definitely up your 5-a-day quota

  • Recipe: William Shatner’s Cappuccino Muffins!

    Even in outer space, there’s nothing quite like a cappuccino muffin. Star Trek legend William Shatner goes boldly into the kitchen and delivers the goods...

  • Kids Zone: Apples, Apples and more Apples

    This month Sara Whatley and her family have gone mad for apples

  • Recipe: Red Velvet Cupcakes

    Deliciously light and fluffy, these red velvet cupcakes with a gorgeous soft cheese frosting are ideal for an afternoon tea – they are sure to impress your guests

  • Recipe: Saffron & Lemon Chicken Joojeh Kebabs

    This probably features on the menu of every Persian restaurant in the world, the marinade of yogurt and lemon juice tenderises the meat beautifully. This simplified version can be made at home in a conventional oven or grill if you don’t have a barbecue

  • South Carolina BBQ Chicken Thighs

    Try this winning BBQ chicken recipe from Grillstock founders Jon Finch and Ben Merrington and learn how to make both an authentic South Carolina BBQ sauce, and their secret BBQ rub.

  • Weddings: The Food of Love

    From a vegan feast to sausage, mash and gravy, what will you serve at your wedding? Sara Whatley explores the world of wedding catering

  • Vino, Vidi, Vici: The Vineyards, Breweries & Distilleries of Sussex

    James Forryan investigates the history of producing wine, beer and spirits in Sussex, and how we should all say 'Cheers!' to its great success...

  • Recipe: Raspberry Blancmange

    Based on a retro classic, this blancmange is a far cry from its wobbly 1970s reputation – instead, this is a light and creamy raspberry and almond dessert

  • Recipe: Sizzling Spare Ribs with BBQ Sauce

    The perfect spare ribs for your summer barbeque!

  • Highweald Estate: Wines of Outstanding Natural Beauty

    One of the wonders of Sussex is the capacity to create food and drink of outstanding quality and Highweald Wine is one such example, producing English Sparking Wines of exceptional standard – Robert Veitch went to find out more, and enjoy a glass or two

  • Recipe: Salted Caramel Praline Brownie

    Baker and author of Postal Bakes, Lucy Burton, will have you drooling at these divine brownies.

© Sussex Living and Aiir 2025 | Unit 4 Regent Business Centre, 6 Jubilee Road, Burgess Hill, West Sussex, RH15 9TL