CAMPAIGN FOR REAL ALE

KENT - Ightham Common, Old House

National Inventory of Historic Pub Interiors Part One

Redwell Lane, Ightham Common, TN15 9EE

(TQ590559)

Tel:

Opening Hours: Closed weekday lunchtimes. Opens from 7pm but can close early, particularly on a Tue night when it may shut at 9pm!

Draught Beer & Cider: Real ales. All the beer is fetched from the cellar. Also has 200 whiskies.

Listed Status: Grade II

View this pub on a local map

The Old House is a hard-to find unspoilt pub with a simple two-bar interior. It is situated south of Ightham village - Redwell Lane runs between Ismays Road and Common Road. This brick and tile-hung building, partly seventeenth century (to left), partly nineteenth century (to right) has no pub sign and the signboard on the right gable has faded beyond recognition! First licensed as a beerhouse in 1872 it didn't obtain a full licence until 1953. The entrance lobby has a door leading to the servery for staff which was formerly the off sales in the past. The main bar is to the left has a plank and beam ceiling on the left and plainer one on the right so it looks like it was two small rooms sometime in the distance but has been like this as far as anyone can remember. It has a Victorian panelled counter and Victorian bar back of shelves on a mirrored backing The huge brick inglenook fireplace was unvieled by the present owners - previously there was a Victorian tiled fireplace in front of it; it has a log fire and beamed ceiling. On the right is a smaller bar that looks more like someones front room with armchairs etc. There is a counter (date?) and modern bar back shelves. Note the old cash register with a notice 'retired after 28 years faithful service' situated on a chest of drawers. All the beer is fetched from the cellar. Has 200 whiskies. Closed weekday lunchtimes. Opens from 7pm but can close early, particularly on a Tue night when it may shut at 9pm!

In answer to a simple question about the beer range, owner Nick Boulter sent this comprehensive message re the pub in 2010.

Dear Geoff,

Thanks for the reply. At present we have Sharp's Cornish Coaster, Loddon Gravesend Shrimpers, Wickwar IKB, Elgood's Black Dog Mild and Rudgate Jorvic Blonde. The range will vary weekly, with Shrimper's and either Coaster or Oakham JHB being regulars.

Some of the locals have put a great deal of effort into helping to get the pub re-opened in under 3 weeks from the 'go' button being pressed, and it would not exist if it were not for my brother Richard having run it at considerable personal expenditure of time and effort over the last 20 years, and our having other interests. It has not been profitable for some time, and the phrase 'use it or lose it' has sprung to mind many times over the last few years. There are few things more depressing than waiting for customers at 9:30 on a Monday evening, when there is a cellar full of wonderful beer just waiting to be poured. It is really too small to be able to cater for large numbers at peak times, and there is no financial support from a food operation. This may change in the future, but a number of people are pleased not to have the aroma and distraction of food when they are drinking!

What we need is a gentle stream of small numbers of real ale and pub enthusiasts. And remember, we have a considerable collection of whisky - around 200 at present, somewhat reduced from the peak of 279, but still a fine range.

The pub games are being brought back into service should anyone wish to challenge the locals. There is some furniture still being restored and we are awaiting replacement of other pieces, so the bar looks a little bare and impersonal at present, but this will change in the next month or two.

The building will be undergoing some further work over the next few months, and we are trying to 'buck the trend' of pubs closing. What we cannot do is 'buck the market', so please, support from CAMRA members and their friends would be most welcome, but we do have our locals, who support us on a regular and year round basis. What we need are regulars - local or otherwise!

Best wishes,

Nick