November 2024. Hastings.
Let’s break our journey back from Eastbourne to Rye in the jewel of the Sussex coast (sorry Worthing).
In fairness, a 40 minute gap between trains made a walk into the Old Town obligatory,
particularly as Google said I couldn’t make it to the First In First Out and back in 40 minutes and Google needs to be proved wrong.
James and his mates had a few days down here the other month and failed to escape the grimness of Hastings New Town,
which is understandable as you have to take that filthy underpass to reach the Dickensian Old Town and it took 3 decades to discover the joys of the Albion, the Jenny Lind and FILO.
And 3 Sheps pubs before you get to Roberts Rummage and that hilly incline to our target pub.
Which has just dropped out of the GBG,
for the first time since BRAPA was in shorts.
In truth, I was underwhelmed by the First In Last Out homebrew last time, but what a pub.
Not as ancient, but in its own way as enticing as the Blue Anchor in Helston.
Terrific landlord, mixed mid afternoon crowd, great jazz,
and the best fire in any pub since the Jolly Sailor in Macc.
OK, the Porter still tastes like the homebrew it is (could have had Harvey’s) and as I neared the last gulp I realised I had 12 minutes to do the 20 minutes back.
Never in doubt.
retiredmartin 
The Star in Penkridge has a central fire similar to that.
I’m not if there’s much Penkridge doesn’t have.
LikeLiked by 2 people
The Chinese takeaway near the market wasn’t as good as its reviews but otherwise I’d agree.
LikeLike
I usually use the Olympic Fish Bar.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oversized pint glasses. You don’t get short changed in the filo. It looks a bit scruffy when empty. Best enjoyed when it is heaving. I’m overdue a visit.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, it’s possible for a great pub without great beer, Morten.
That Porter could have been a bit crisper and cooler. The Harvey’s would have been a better test than the home brew.
LikeLike
How is the Jenny Lind doing?
Dick
LikeLiked by 1 person
It looked to be doing well enough, Dick, though it was a grey afternoon in November so if Inot packed. I would have gone in I’d had 50 minutes between trains, rather than 40 !
LikeLike
If they were playing that kind of music I would probably stayed all afternoon (sod the train)
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think the music made that pub. I’ve enjoyed revisiting the classic pubs since finishing the Guide and having my preconceptions challenged.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A warm fire, a good pint, and cool jazz – or swing – on a winter’s day.
That’ll see me right.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Swing was the word I was looking for !
LikeLike
I love the Filo particularly that fire ! We are going to see Rick Wakeman in Bexhill next month & we are staying in the Jenny Lind. We love old town Hastings but don’t go as often as we would like due to the crummy train service (approaching 2 hours from Maidstone )My husband is reluctant to drive as the pub scene is so good .Pauline
LikeLiked by 1 person
I wouldn’t drive either, Pauline !
LikeLike
The First In Last Out is a great pub and we always enjoy a wander around Hastings Old Town. I had a nice pint in there quite recently. The shellfish at the sea front is some of the best.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Is it ? I ought to try some.
LikeLike
You referenced the Jenny Lind as the Jenny Wren.
Were you thinking of the Dickens character?
LikeLike
I think I was thinking of a pub in Arbury estate in Cambridge!
Good spot, Alan.
LikeLike