November 2024. Rolvenden Layne.
Deep in the heart of Kent’s High Weald lies GBG newbie the Ewe and Lamb, a couple of miles from Tenterden‘s collection of bridal shops, heritage railways, and horseback riding services.
Apart from that church we just saw, Rolvenden has a picture postcard collection of white boarded cottages,
a couple of decent looking pubs,
the Bull with the best literal in months sign on the roof,
and those trademark oast houses. Note the symbol of Kent near the top.
Our pub is a mile south in Rolvenden Layne, and you’ll note from Mrs RM’s enthusiasm to get to the door first, which was entirely down to wanting to make sure I didn’t photo bomb her photos.
That door is actually the most interesting thing about the pub,
which is just a bit too smart chintzy and reserved for comfort,
but conversely had some of the best cask of the trip.
the Skylark Stout from nearby Three Acres slightly better (3.5+) than Mrs RM’s regulation Harvey’s.
A bit too quiet, bar a soundtrack including the quiet American (not Trump) of the moment.
“That song was a UK Number One, can you believe that ?” I asked Mrs RM in a vain attempt to distract her from her phone.
If only I’d known then it was only a chart-topper because Olivia Rodrigo Tik-Toked it or something; as usual the man needing the endorsement of the woman to achieve recognition.
retiredmartin 
A phrase I read in an old railway book about the Kent & East Sussex Railway always sticks in my mind – “and there there lizards in the yard at Rolvenden”.
I think it was “The Country Railway” by David St John Thomas. I don’t think it was ever the busiest of branch lines.
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Did you go into the Star at Rolvenden ?
Their garden has a great view over the Rother Valley in the same way the Queens head at Icklesham has a view over the Brede Valley. When you are next back in the caravan you can tick the pub garden, views over the valleys heading into the Weald to the west of Romney Marsh.
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Not this time, Alan, as driving, but if Mrs RM wants to take me back there I will.
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