Even if it’s something of a cliche about rural Britain that the pub is always at the centre of village life there cannot be many truer examples than in Three Oaks.
In fact the pub in question is even called Three Oaks Pub, as if it were the representative and embodiment of the place.
But before we venture inside that extraordinary establishment it’s certainly worth taking in the small settlement that surrounds it.
This is an immaculately maintained village that seems so cloistered it is difficult to believe you are less than two miles from the suburbs of Hastings. At the epicentre there are good examples of Victorian farmworker’s cottages with more modern, and very well kept, bungalows and post-war housing towards the edge.
The Parish notice board is busily updated, with emphasis on the village hall which in Spring 2022 had reportedly just undergone maintenance but plans, so the notice said, for an entirely new building were soon to be announced. Clearly Three Oaks, despite a population of only around five hundred, is a place keen on excelling itself.
A good detective still might miss it, but there’s also a railway station and it’s one so unusual that you might consider going a few meters out of your way to investigate. With a single platform only long enough to accommodate one carriage (look for signs reminding the guard not, under any circumstances, to open all the train’s doors!,) it none the less contains a small, cared-for waiting shelter – and you might be waiting some time – as well as modern ticket machine and help point.
Services are either hourly or every two hours depending on the time of day and day of the week, both towards either Hastings (only 10 minutes) or Ashford (half an hour). This irregularity means that if you want to join the short list of visitors who have travelled from this peculiar little halt then make sure you’re wise to the times in advance.
But if you’ve just missed your train home then it’s only a short walk back to the nucleus of the village and it’s wonderfully eccentric pub.
Walking into the Three Oaks you are immediately struck but what appears to be an explosion of bric-a-brac but on closer inspection turns out to be a collection of collections that have all got wonderfully out of control.
Old cash registers decorate the fire side, Mexican sombreros compete for space at the bar with plastic sunglasses, chamber pots fill an entire wall, gnomes in various states of undress guard the door. It’s a brilliant assault and takes a moment to comprehend.
“Was there one thing in particular that started all this off,” we ask the landlady.
“Yes,” she nods. “The Landlord.”
A separate games room, containing a pool table, is decorated with motorcycle helmets and bike parts.
It’s very much like accidentally intruding on one very happy person’s bizarre hobby and it’s difficult to think of a better accolade for a pub than than.
The one thing we couldn’t spot were any model trains, but then you could argue that Three Oaks has that covered in real life down at the tiny station.
JF Stoneworks specialise in manufacturing granite worktops, bathrooms, floors and fireplaces, offering a friendly and professional service. We also specialise … more
Listed in: Kitchens
, 10:00am – 11:30am
Rye Community Centre, Rye
Category: Shopping Fairs and Markets
The White Rock Theatre is a prominent entertainment venue offering a diverse range of performances and events for tourists and locals alike. With its striking architecture and vibrant atmosphere, it serves as a hub for live music, theater productions, comedy … more
Hastings Pier is an iconic landmark which has a rich history and has undergone significant transformations over the years. The Pier was originally opened to the public in 1872, designed by Eugenius Birch, a renowned Victorian pier designer. The original … more
Rye Museum has two sites in the town: Ypres Tower and East Street which is the main site for exhibits and public events such as talks and coffee mornings. It houses changing exhibitions concerning different aspects of Rye life. The … more
Enjoy stylish, romantic beamed surroundings in the heart of the historic walled Citadel of Medieval Rye. This unusual, converted Grade II listed two-storey apartment retains original features including an open log fire, original wooden floors & beams dating back to … more
Located in Rye in the East Sussex region, 95 Udimore Road has a terrace.
One of England’s oldest and loveliest inns, with Norman cellars dating from 1156, the Mermaid, rebuilt in 1420, offers tradition and charm in abundance. A jewel in the crown of Rye, the inn has a wide range of accommodation including … more
Located in the Sussex countryside 4 miles from the historic town of Rye, Flackley Ash is a delightful Grade II listed Georgian country house with an award-winning restaurant, a bar and spa facilities. The hotel’s spa features various treatment rooms. … more
Welcome to Webbe’s in Rye. A vibrant lively restaurant atmosphere with open plan kitchen area where you can view your meal in its creation, for serious diners and families alike. This upbeat eatery will meet your every need when you … more
A Warm welcome awaits you at the River Haven Hotel & Restaurant. This family run comfortable Hotel of 22 en-suite rooms in the Ancient town of Rye is situated on the Strand Quay over looking the River Tillingham. Our conservatory … more