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11-02-2023, 21:23
Visit the Paul Bailey's Beer Blog site (https://baileysbeerblog.blogspot.com/2023/02/just-hopped-into-hopbine.html)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzE_ellIg3Q_MFj0osSMEb5sHT0bQMF2L3QdSiwiFBBd dBy7kBrEayvUVpsZkuckUc8YuCrVXK0-YmBAx_O4-FS0Nt8THFl5_L-vyzNmfsqKd1XdIufuF1GI_WNslIoTfjeZjk0iXZ0CQIZiPd8bn LjonL0iIBlHAgmaYaA-Ibe-_d8X0ZXXb2G0-E/w400-h225/IMG_20230205_135628.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzE_ellIg3Q_MFj0osSMEb5sHT0bQMF2L3QdSiwiFBBd dBy7kBrEayvUVpsZkuckUc8YuCrVXK0-YmBAx_O4-FS0Nt8THFl5_L-vyzNmfsqKd1XdIufuF1GI_WNslIoTfjeZjk0iXZ0CQIZiPd8bn LjonL0iIBlHAgmaYaA-Ibe-_d8X0ZXXb2G0-E/s4000/IMG_20230205_135628.jpg)
Yesterday witnessed the return of the bus outing's organised by my local CAMRA branch, on behalf of members and friends. I now fall into the latter category, but was glad to turn join the trip, which included a visit to the historic Leicester Arms at Penshurst, followed by checking out a couple of pubs in the small West Kent town of Edenbridge. A full report about the trip will follow in due course, but for the time being I want to mention an old favourite, which I visited last weekend.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYVKBCM-9Riga8lceXH9pfV7y1Tot0vJ17OeeJBLAE-vham8jtWSBuOGZywYzzBtf__f4_JE48NKwP2GwH7EDW6C6uERY ojU28FIsP7cze3PEjvj5pQYHFrHhbwc1uJaWFX6YT65Pq0aHIY OgHI05NesUSrYglDIFDhJHacTQTC7JSxcXIl28UTl1c/w400-h225/IMG_20230205_131919.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYVKBCM-9Riga8lceXH9pfV7y1Tot0vJ17OeeJBLAE-vham8jtWSBuOGZywYzzBtf__f4_JE48NKwP2GwH7EDW6C6uERY ojU28FIsP7cze3PEjvj5pQYHFrHhbwc1uJaWFX6YT65Pq0aHIY OgHI05NesUSrYglDIFDhJHacTQTC7JSxcXIl28UTl1c/s4000/IMG_20230205_131919.jpg)
The pub in question is the Hopbine Inn (https://www.thehopbine.pub/)at Petteridge, a small settlement six miles to the east of Tunbridge Wells. I popped in briefly, last Sunday lunchtime, with son Matthew, after enjoying a cooked breakfast at Chiddingstone Causeway village hall, followed by running a few errands on behalf of Mrs PBT’s. I hadn't been to the Hopbine since before the pandemic, so as we were in the area, I decided it was time to put that right.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn79_xAG-Xbau2zf1TjOb7lIOzLO2Zyt1SANVGU0DxaQm7aAmFHAcP2l44g a3Vaa6zwMYkkuY4S_ljd6R_WCap9LHvmAxnvA8BkRkDF45X1Sz g6KYTXvrqukHY1kcIvozZcZND0TNWxdrZPAwQGkMUQIUbhU7C6 fHOQLU9EB7fEy72Js9l1oFPVNmk/w400-h225/IMG_20230205_131914.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn79_xAG-Xbau2zf1TjOb7lIOzLO2Zyt1SANVGU0DxaQm7aAmFHAcP2l44g a3Vaa6zwMYkkuY4S_ljd6R_WCap9LHvmAxnvA8BkRkDF45X1Sz g6KYTXvrqukHY1kcIvozZcZND0TNWxdrZPAwQGkMUQIUbhU7C6 fHOQLU9EB7fEy72Js9l1oFPVNmk/s4000/IMG_20230205_131914.jpg)
Sunday lunchtime was probably not the best time for our visit, because as we discovered the Hopbine was packed out by diners enjoying the pub’s popular Sunday roast, and whilst we didn't have any trouble getting served at the bar, looking around it there didn't seem to be anywhere for us to sit down. We had noticed a several small groups of drinkers sitting outside, as we walked along from the car park, so that should have served as a warning, but as the weather seemed reasonable, I suggested to Matthew that we should join them,
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixMYqwP6qtv-L9aTDtMGvg2bse0QPyE4ipdHNgG01i2IZhAOU1IFU69BteIrtp VnRYXXp1HFy1ZQDpKFJQ2yic4yrCw3670x5hQ4BZPf7qjT45ju SqLQU5dagQ-hLryJbKs_kD8G2uomZAIZI0_zd2UJtA0op8T_xlKfPbMRwjBY6 d9KU-QaSd0Hdu/w400-h225/IMG_20230205_132054.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixMYqwP6qtv-L9aTDtMGvg2bse0QPyE4ipdHNgG01i2IZhAOU1IFU69BteIrtp VnRYXXp1HFy1ZQDpKFJQ2yic4yrCw3670x5hQ4BZPf7qjT45ju SqLQU5dagQ-hLryJbKs_kD8G2uomZAIZI0_zd2UJtA0op8T_xlKfPbMRwjBY6 d9KU-QaSd0Hdu/s4000/IMG_20230205_132054.jpg)
I knew from previous visits that there was a covered terraced area, set at a lower level to the rear of the pub, so after ordering our drinks, that is where we headed. There was a choice of three beers – Traditional, from Tonbridge Brewery, a house beer brewed by Cellar Head, plus local favourite Harvey's Sussex Best. I opted for the latter, whilst Matthew went for a pint of Hofmeister. https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv5jw8RziFIGGpa-fiD6tvpqgjwTyut8CylADbfRZrVn-GGOweXOtf7HaaIjr_EV5ix_FfTvNsNqKHJ9fL0GZb0jkCz-0Qbta2rYeBi2Upc-OTKipGMtk5BL_fJCe-xB6IORqjVVrqJxKZDSLK9dsEA_8w_ACXbalam0gkAFu4cQewaw RwlXXMY1pf/w300-h400/Harveys%20pint.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv5jw8RziFIGGpa-fiD6tvpqgjwTyut8CylADbfRZrVn-GGOweXOtf7HaaIjr_EV5ix_FfTvNsNqKHJ9fL0GZb0jkCz-0Qbta2rYeBi2Upc-OTKipGMtk5BL_fJCe-xB6IORqjVVrqJxKZDSLK9dsEA_8w_ACXbalam0gkAFu4cQewaw RwlXXMY1pf/s4000/Harveys%20pint.jpg)We had the rear terrace to ourselves, probably because unlike the front of the pub, the area was partially in the shade, so whilst the weather initially seemed OK, it soon felt a little cold. Sitting on metal chairs, without their normal padded cushions, didn’t help either, but as we both had coats on, we stuck it out – for one pint, that is!
I've known the Hopbine on and off, for many years, back to the days when it belonged to the much-missed Horsham brewers, King & Barnes,through it's later ownership by Hall & Woodhouse. Often known as Badger, the latter company took control of King & Barnes when they got into financial difficulty. This new relationship didn’t last too long, as a pub in Kent that was just about serviceable from a brewery based in West Sussex, was a whole different ballgame for a company like Badger, who are based in the heart of Dorset. Running a pub that distance away from the brewery, wasn’t economically viable, so the Hopbine was sold on, and now functions as a free house.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiejYl7SBumP7CGBI4ScARz3RFPENoecvLx1oDo1P-opOtxCjBNBqWjLpkEuFr6nEMONycBJ1RzUDIDcGa5oKfLsadMA MCGuy_hDwIc1Xk9lKzeG8zb3VK8vEKmgNErpsq52X9WPPeEDdR RxfFIh916UoDYqeNcuI24Lw9swu6vAdM5cUkcbT3uSSx/w300-h400/20190506_135902.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiejYl7SBumP7CGBI4ScARz3RFPENoecvLx1oDo1P-opOtxCjBNBqWjLpkEuFr6nEMONycBJ1RzUDIDcGa5oKfLsadMA MCGuy_hDwIc1Xk9lKzeG8zb3VK8vEKmgNErpsq52X9WPPeEDdR RxfFIh916UoDYqeNcuI24Lw9swu6vAdM5cUkcbT3uSSx/s4128/20190506_135902.jpg)
Several years ago, the Hopbine seemed under the threat of closure, but a change of owners has breathed new life into the pub and turned the business around. Now, following the end of COVID, the Hopbine seems to be doing quite nicely, as Matthew and I found out. We didn't stay for another pint, particularly as I was driving, but it was good to see pub in a rural and relatively isolated situation, still managing to attract customers. For the record, the majority of my visits to the Hopbine, have been on foot, either walking, across country from Paddock Wood rail station, or by taking the 297 Tunbridge Wells – Tenterden bus, and alighting at the stop between Matfield and Brenchley. From there, it is a short, 10-minute walk along Petteridge Lane, to the Hopbine Inn which is situated at the top of a hill on the edge of this small settlement.
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https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzE_ellIg3Q_MFj0osSMEb5sHT0bQMF2L3QdSiwiFBBd dBy7kBrEayvUVpsZkuckUc8YuCrVXK0-YmBAx_O4-FS0Nt8THFl5_L-vyzNmfsqKd1XdIufuF1GI_WNslIoTfjeZjk0iXZ0CQIZiPd8bn LjonL0iIBlHAgmaYaA-Ibe-_d8X0ZXXb2G0-E/w400-h225/IMG_20230205_135628.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzE_ellIg3Q_MFj0osSMEb5sHT0bQMF2L3QdSiwiFBBd dBy7kBrEayvUVpsZkuckUc8YuCrVXK0-YmBAx_O4-FS0Nt8THFl5_L-vyzNmfsqKd1XdIufuF1GI_WNslIoTfjeZjk0iXZ0CQIZiPd8bn LjonL0iIBlHAgmaYaA-Ibe-_d8X0ZXXb2G0-E/s4000/IMG_20230205_135628.jpg)
Yesterday witnessed the return of the bus outing's organised by my local CAMRA branch, on behalf of members and friends. I now fall into the latter category, but was glad to turn join the trip, which included a visit to the historic Leicester Arms at Penshurst, followed by checking out a couple of pubs in the small West Kent town of Edenbridge. A full report about the trip will follow in due course, but for the time being I want to mention an old favourite, which I visited last weekend.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYVKBCM-9Riga8lceXH9pfV7y1Tot0vJ17OeeJBLAE-vham8jtWSBuOGZywYzzBtf__f4_JE48NKwP2GwH7EDW6C6uERY ojU28FIsP7cze3PEjvj5pQYHFrHhbwc1uJaWFX6YT65Pq0aHIY OgHI05NesUSrYglDIFDhJHacTQTC7JSxcXIl28UTl1c/w400-h225/IMG_20230205_131919.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYVKBCM-9Riga8lceXH9pfV7y1Tot0vJ17OeeJBLAE-vham8jtWSBuOGZywYzzBtf__f4_JE48NKwP2GwH7EDW6C6uERY ojU28FIsP7cze3PEjvj5pQYHFrHhbwc1uJaWFX6YT65Pq0aHIY OgHI05NesUSrYglDIFDhJHacTQTC7JSxcXIl28UTl1c/s4000/IMG_20230205_131919.jpg)
The pub in question is the Hopbine Inn (https://www.thehopbine.pub/)at Petteridge, a small settlement six miles to the east of Tunbridge Wells. I popped in briefly, last Sunday lunchtime, with son Matthew, after enjoying a cooked breakfast at Chiddingstone Causeway village hall, followed by running a few errands on behalf of Mrs PBT’s. I hadn't been to the Hopbine since before the pandemic, so as we were in the area, I decided it was time to put that right.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn79_xAG-Xbau2zf1TjOb7lIOzLO2Zyt1SANVGU0DxaQm7aAmFHAcP2l44g a3Vaa6zwMYkkuY4S_ljd6R_WCap9LHvmAxnvA8BkRkDF45X1Sz g6KYTXvrqukHY1kcIvozZcZND0TNWxdrZPAwQGkMUQIUbhU7C6 fHOQLU9EB7fEy72Js9l1oFPVNmk/w400-h225/IMG_20230205_131914.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn79_xAG-Xbau2zf1TjOb7lIOzLO2Zyt1SANVGU0DxaQm7aAmFHAcP2l44g a3Vaa6zwMYkkuY4S_ljd6R_WCap9LHvmAxnvA8BkRkDF45X1Sz g6KYTXvrqukHY1kcIvozZcZND0TNWxdrZPAwQGkMUQIUbhU7C6 fHOQLU9EB7fEy72Js9l1oFPVNmk/s4000/IMG_20230205_131914.jpg)
Sunday lunchtime was probably not the best time for our visit, because as we discovered the Hopbine was packed out by diners enjoying the pub’s popular Sunday roast, and whilst we didn't have any trouble getting served at the bar, looking around it there didn't seem to be anywhere for us to sit down. We had noticed a several small groups of drinkers sitting outside, as we walked along from the car park, so that should have served as a warning, but as the weather seemed reasonable, I suggested to Matthew that we should join them,
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixMYqwP6qtv-L9aTDtMGvg2bse0QPyE4ipdHNgG01i2IZhAOU1IFU69BteIrtp VnRYXXp1HFy1ZQDpKFJQ2yic4yrCw3670x5hQ4BZPf7qjT45ju SqLQU5dagQ-hLryJbKs_kD8G2uomZAIZI0_zd2UJtA0op8T_xlKfPbMRwjBY6 d9KU-QaSd0Hdu/w400-h225/IMG_20230205_132054.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixMYqwP6qtv-L9aTDtMGvg2bse0QPyE4ipdHNgG01i2IZhAOU1IFU69BteIrtp VnRYXXp1HFy1ZQDpKFJQ2yic4yrCw3670x5hQ4BZPf7qjT45ju SqLQU5dagQ-hLryJbKs_kD8G2uomZAIZI0_zd2UJtA0op8T_xlKfPbMRwjBY6 d9KU-QaSd0Hdu/s4000/IMG_20230205_132054.jpg)
I knew from previous visits that there was a covered terraced area, set at a lower level to the rear of the pub, so after ordering our drinks, that is where we headed. There was a choice of three beers – Traditional, from Tonbridge Brewery, a house beer brewed by Cellar Head, plus local favourite Harvey's Sussex Best. I opted for the latter, whilst Matthew went for a pint of Hofmeister. https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv5jw8RziFIGGpa-fiD6tvpqgjwTyut8CylADbfRZrVn-GGOweXOtf7HaaIjr_EV5ix_FfTvNsNqKHJ9fL0GZb0jkCz-0Qbta2rYeBi2Upc-OTKipGMtk5BL_fJCe-xB6IORqjVVrqJxKZDSLK9dsEA_8w_ACXbalam0gkAFu4cQewaw RwlXXMY1pf/w300-h400/Harveys%20pint.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv5jw8RziFIGGpa-fiD6tvpqgjwTyut8CylADbfRZrVn-GGOweXOtf7HaaIjr_EV5ix_FfTvNsNqKHJ9fL0GZb0jkCz-0Qbta2rYeBi2Upc-OTKipGMtk5BL_fJCe-xB6IORqjVVrqJxKZDSLK9dsEA_8w_ACXbalam0gkAFu4cQewaw RwlXXMY1pf/s4000/Harveys%20pint.jpg)We had the rear terrace to ourselves, probably because unlike the front of the pub, the area was partially in the shade, so whilst the weather initially seemed OK, it soon felt a little cold. Sitting on metal chairs, without their normal padded cushions, didn’t help either, but as we both had coats on, we stuck it out – for one pint, that is!
I've known the Hopbine on and off, for many years, back to the days when it belonged to the much-missed Horsham brewers, King & Barnes,through it's later ownership by Hall & Woodhouse. Often known as Badger, the latter company took control of King & Barnes when they got into financial difficulty. This new relationship didn’t last too long, as a pub in Kent that was just about serviceable from a brewery based in West Sussex, was a whole different ballgame for a company like Badger, who are based in the heart of Dorset. Running a pub that distance away from the brewery, wasn’t economically viable, so the Hopbine was sold on, and now functions as a free house.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiejYl7SBumP7CGBI4ScARz3RFPENoecvLx1oDo1P-opOtxCjBNBqWjLpkEuFr6nEMONycBJ1RzUDIDcGa5oKfLsadMA MCGuy_hDwIc1Xk9lKzeG8zb3VK8vEKmgNErpsq52X9WPPeEDdR RxfFIh916UoDYqeNcuI24Lw9swu6vAdM5cUkcbT3uSSx/w300-h400/20190506_135902.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiejYl7SBumP7CGBI4ScARz3RFPENoecvLx1oDo1P-opOtxCjBNBqWjLpkEuFr6nEMONycBJ1RzUDIDcGa5oKfLsadMA MCGuy_hDwIc1Xk9lKzeG8zb3VK8vEKmgNErpsq52X9WPPeEDdR RxfFIh916UoDYqeNcuI24Lw9swu6vAdM5cUkcbT3uSSx/s4128/20190506_135902.jpg)
Several years ago, the Hopbine seemed under the threat of closure, but a change of owners has breathed new life into the pub and turned the business around. Now, following the end of COVID, the Hopbine seems to be doing quite nicely, as Matthew and I found out. We didn't stay for another pint, particularly as I was driving, but it was good to see pub in a rural and relatively isolated situation, still managing to attract customers. For the record, the majority of my visits to the Hopbine, have been on foot, either walking, across country from Paddock Wood rail station, or by taking the 297 Tunbridge Wells – Tenterden bus, and alighting at the stop between Matfield and Brenchley. From there, it is a short, 10-minute walk along Petteridge Lane, to the Hopbine Inn which is situated at the top of a hill on the edge of this small settlement.
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More... (https://baileysbeerblog.blogspot.com/2023/02/just-hopped-into-hopbine.html)