Seventh Heaven At The Eight Bells

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 allencompassing 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 threecourse 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

Local food features strongly on the menu

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. l

The Moor, Hawkhurst, Kent TN18 4NX 01580 389039 bookings@theeight-bells.com www.theeight-bells.co.uk

Auguste Escoffier

The Old Post Office, The Square, Forest Row, East Sussex, RH18 5EZ 01342 822752

With so many food retailers taking staff and deli counters out of their retail operations it is a relief to find a food store that prides itself on delivering on its service and taste promises.

Shearer’s Fine Foods is an independent delicatessen and food store in Forest Row which, since opening in 2013, has built a loyal following.

The cheese and charcuterie counter has been the focal point instore from day one, and with over 50 cheeses plus 10 cooked and cured meats, it is easy to see why. There is no compromise on quality, with cheeses checked daily to ensure that they are maturing in line with customers’ requirements. The range has a strong foundation of local cheeses alongside the best the UK has to offer as well as selected European products.

Throughout the store the product range has grown, and continues to change in response to customer requests, from keeping in tune with market conditions and from finding new products to market or currently trending products.

The other departments follow a similar pattern with lots of delicious foods and drinks, including a wide range of awardwinning, vegan, and free-from products, to make you, your family and your friends feel truly spoiled.

Walk around the shop and you will find the following: •Cheese Accompaniments: crackers, oatcakes and condiments including mustards, chutneys, and jellies. •Olives and Antipasti: olives and antipasti including whole, pitted and stuffed olives and probably the best olives in the world (you decide). •Cooking Ingredients: herbs and spices, salts, oils and vinegars, pickles, stocks and sauces, beans and pulses, pasta, rice and fresh Chalk Hills Bakery bread. •Loose Frozen: loose sweet and savoury pastries, loose fruit and vegetable mixes, loose potato products plus restaurant quality desserts and ready meals. •Chilled: cooking chorizo, humous and dips, prepacked cheese, anchovies plus cooked and cured meats. •Sweet Treats: boxes of chocolates, truffles, Turkish delight, Italian pastries, nougat and the incomparable Rabitos chocolate coated figs. •Wine & Drinks: wines from around the World plus local fruit juices, cordials, nonalcoholic fizz plus teas and coffees. •Kitchen Equipment: paella pans, olive oil jugs, olives dishes, cheese knives and presentation boards.

A popular Shearer’s service are the food and drink gift hampers, which are boxed, packed and wrapped for free. Customers can choose their own contents from the Shearer’s range, or the team will gladly put together a suggested mix within the customers budget and requirements.

Shearer’s also supply food and drink for customer events which can include cheese boards, whole cheeses, cakes of cheese, charcuterie platters, whole hams, and handmade cakes and desserts.

With all these products, it is helpful to have the knowledgeable Shearer’s team on hand to answer questions about the products and guide customers through the different areas within the deli.

The future for Nick is all about delivering more of what his customers want, which means talking to more customers, searching for exciting new products and supporting his local community as he can.

Summer is a time to celebrate and Bluebell Vineyard Estates have the perfect toast. The Award winning Hindleap Rosé is a blend of Pinot Noir and Meunier, this elegant rosé has aromas of brioche, strawberry, raspberry, and peach on the nose. Underpinned by cranberry, apricot, and violet notes for a rounded wine with a creamy well-balanced structured finish. The perfect tipple to enjoy in the summer sunshine. www.bluebellvineyard.org Or at our Cellar Door: Bluebell Vineyard Estates, Sliders Lane, Furners Green TN22 3RU

We are delighted to announce the opening of our organic, vegetarian and vegan Café in Forest Row. Using the best local, seasonal and organic produce we are open for Breakfast, Lunch, Teas & Coffees and freshly made juices. Pictured is our: Tofu Satay, Daikon Slaw and Lime Pickled Courgettes (GF & VG) Chickpea Tofu Made In Sussex, Peanut Satay Sauce, Red Cabbage Slaw, Lime Pickled Courgette, Chilli, Coriander and Toasted Peanuts. The Seasons Kitchen, 10/11 Hartfield Rd, Forest Row RH18 5DN, 01342 601010, seasons-kitchen.co.uk

Serving homemade delicious food and a wide selection of drinks. The perfect place to celebrate and enjoy time with friends and family. It’s finally time to look forward to sharing summertime together and you will only find a warm welcome at The Wheatsheaf in Henfield. A friendly country pub with a great atmosphere and freshly prepared tasty food. Large groups please book to avoid disappointment. Wheatsheaf Road, Woodmancote, Henfield BN5 9BD 01273 492077 www.thewheatsheafhenfield@gmail.com thewheatsheafhenfield@gmail.com

Seafood platters, home-smoked fish, local fish and shellfish, homemade pies and poached salmon, free local deliveries. OAP discount 25% Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday 45 High Street, Heathfield TN21 8HU 01435 817724 www.sussexbythesea.online

now oPen in BuRgeSS HiLL

About us Here at Coastal Home Care, we understand the difficulties of coming to terms with the sometimes harsh fact that you may need to think about having some Quality Care at Home.Supporting people to live within the comfort of their own homes whilst receiving Quality Care at Home is something that Coastal Home Care is all too familiar with. We are a family owned and run business, operating throughout East and West Sussex for over 20 years. We operate from 7am until 11pm, 7 days a week. Overnight support also available on request.

RecRuiting now! Full & Part-time caRe StaFF Here at Coastal Home Care, we understand the difficulties of coming to terms with the sometimes harsh fact that you may need to think about having some Quality Care at Home. Supporting people to live RequiRed within the comfort of their own homes whilst receiving Quality Care to provide quality at Home is something that Coastal Home Care is all too familiar care and support with. We are a family owned and run business, operating throughout to our East and West Sussex for over 20 years. We operate from 7am until customers 11pm, 7 days a week. Overnight support also available on request living in their own homes. Tel: 01444 645 030

• assisting you to get up out of bed in the mornings • Washing and Dressing • assisting with toileting • Making your bed • Preparing and serving your meals • assisting you back into bed in the evening • assisting you with medication • Doing your laundry • Ironing • Hoovering around your home • Dusting and polishing • Watering your plants • Taking out your rubbish • Changing a light bulb • Taking you to doctors’ appointments and staying with you if needed • Taking you to hospital appointments • Shopping trips • Trips out to the seaside for a stroll • Trips to the cinema • Visiting a friend • Going to Church or to Bingo

Tel: 01444 645 030 (Burgess Hill) 01273 410471 (Brighton & Hove) 01903 246651 (Worthing) Email: info@coastalhomecare.co.uk www.coastalhomecare.co.uk We’re looking for new people to join our team If you think you could be one of them, get in touch

About us Here at Coastal Home Care, we understand the difficulties of coming to terms with the sometimes harsh fact that you may need to think about having some Quality Care at Home.Supporting people to live within the comfort of their own homes whilst receiving Quality Care at Home is something that Coastal Home Care is all too familiar with. We are a family owned and run business, operating throughout East and West Sussex for over 20 years. now oPen in BuRgeSS HiLL We operate from 7am until 11pm, 7 days a week. Overnight support also available on request.

Working in the health and social care industry with Coastal Homecare can offer you a fulfilling and rewarding career with achievable personal development prospects. Whether you are male or female, younger or slightly more mature, there

About usis a role for you at Coastal Homecare

Here at Coastal Home Care, we understand the difficulties of coming to termsWhat can we offer you? with the sometimes harsh fact that you• A supportive, understanding management team may need to think about having some• Full training to enable you to undertake your role

Quality Care at Home.Supporting people• The opportunity to gain nationally recognised qualifications • A career path to live within the comfort of their own • Flexible working patterns homes whilst receiving Quality Care at • Regular supervision Home is something that Coastal Home Care is all too familiar with. We are a family owned and run business, operating throughout East and West Sussex for over 20 years. now oPen in BuRgeSS HiLL We operate from 7am until 11pm, 7 days a week. Overnight support also available on request. About us

• Competitive rates of pay • Holiday pay • Free uniform If you’re interested in working with us, please submit an online application form, and a member of our team will contact you shortly For more information about this role, please see our Home Carers job description page

Hove Branch 01273 410471