December 2025. Bexhill-on-Sea.
Mrs RM enjoyed our lunchtime in Sussex-by-the-Sea, remembering the times that her aunt (it was probably her granny but I’m not strong on genealogy) took her to Bexhill for whatever people used to do at the seaside in the 70s. Look out to sea and shout at France, I guess.
The houses on the beach along the Prom are quite something, but it’s the De La Warr pavilion you come for,
a modernist classic with the sort of art that Mrs RM (and probably you, to be fair) sneers at.
But Eddie Izzard is doing Hamlet here in February, so there’s that.
We meant to see Eddie’s model railway in Egerton Park, but somehow lunch took precedence, and the mildly foody Ruddy Duck had just got in the Beer Guide.
In 2023 this was called Traffers, the local Pub of the Year, so my preemptive prediction wasn’t that brave.
New name, but the same cosy neighbourhood pub vibe I think you’d all appreciate,
and two Harvey’s and a micro is a good bet.
There’s two mums with babies (another winner for me), a West Ham United obssession (um) and a simple menu with things like Jerusalem Artichoke soup and squid.
“The soup’s really good” says the Old Boy on his 3rd glass of white wine (“just buy the flipping bottle” hisses Mrs RM) and he’s right.
Quality grub, quality Sussex Best and Old in unscuffed glasses,
and a soundtrack of the first Stone Roses album on vinyl.
This is Isaac Hayes, not Ian Brown.
It’s a great hour, aided by a lovely chat with the retired escapee from Croydon, the sort of pub you’d come back to for a big meal.
But there’s more. A half of Three Legs Dry Stout (4.5) to finish.
Reader, if scoring a beer a 5 didn’t carry the risk of CAMRA excommunication, this would have been the first 5 of the year.
retiredmartin 
The question is, what’s he doing to Hamlet?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well, indoor smoking was banned in 2007, so it’s not that.
LikeLiked by 1 person
“took her to Bexhill for whatever people used to do at the seaside in the 70s. Look out to sea and shout at France, I guess.”
In the early 60’s, somewhere on the Kentish coast (I was 6 or 7), I went into the water and didn’t realise it was shelved. Took a step, went under and couldn’t keep my head above water. My Da, the only one of the adults NOT in a bathing suit, raced down fully clothed and pulled me out.
But I do remember everyone around me was too busy yelling at the French to notice my predicament. 😎
“(and probably you, to be fair) sneers at.”
(shyly raised his hand)
“But Eddie Izzard is doing Hamlet here in February, so there’s that.”
As Hamlet’s mother surely.
“In 2023 this was called Traffers,”
(looks up)
It’s a converted house!
“so my preemptive prediction wasn’t that brave.”
(slow golf clap on the micro in the town clock)
“New name, but the same cosy neighbourhood pub vibe I think you’d all appreciate,”
Wait, are we still in the clock in the pic above?
“and a simple menu with things like Jerusalem Artichoke soup and squid.”
Well, if the squid doesn’t choke you, the artichoke will.
(I’m here all week)
“Quality grub, quality Sussex Best and Old in unscuffed glasses,”
Blimey. Paul will be down to ‘nick’ another glass!
“This is Isaac Hayes, not Ian Brown.”
(looks down)
Ah. That was his ‘cross’ period.
“the sort of pub you’d come back to for a big meal.”
Wait, above you said it was mildy foody.
“Reader, if scoring a beer a 5 didn’t carry the risk of CAMRA excommunication, this would have been the first 5 of the year.”
Yowza. High praise indeed!
Cheers
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m secretly impressed by your cultural knowledge (well, not so secret anymore).
I love that Black Jesus/Hot Buttered Soul period Isaac Hayes, incredibly underrated.
You’re actually spot on about the food. On entry it’s just very corner pub, mums and babies, soup and pie, but next door there’s that larger dining room and the chef has some sort of proper background or other.
It’s definitely a pub not a restaurant though, probably biggest business on Sunday roasts.
That last beer (just half, not even that strong) was just too good. Luckily Three Legs have a brewery tap in Bexhill (probably only opens 31st Feb) so might see it again.
LikeLike
“Just too good” sounds like a 5 to me. I’ve scored four 5s in the last four weeks – that’s more than in the whole of 2024. And there have been a number of 4.5s mixed in with them. I’m going through a real purple patch for quality cask beer – and I don’t even like purple.
LikeLiked by 1 person
When the Milky Way has been eaten by a black hole or something, future people will debate this golden age for cask and I’m not even joking.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You do know I pull up Google at times whilst replying. 😉
I’d say the Ruddy Duck could be in for some increase in customers if the quality of the food gets out (and that 5.0 beer!).
As for Three Legs; something to look forward to next year.
Cheers
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think the problem with the south coast is there are just so many towns that have to compete with Brighton for day trips from London.
LikeLike
Absolutely!
That’s why we have a whole day devoted to us every year! 😁
Plus, you can see some amazing ‘Dad saves’ on YouTube and, I presume, TikTok.
LikeLiked by 1 person
“When the Milky Way has been eaten by a black hole or something, future people will debate this golden age for cask and I’m not even joking.”
How very Douglas Adams!
Cheers
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, and Dads are good at saving lives like that.
LikeLike
Darn. I replied to that above. (got carried away)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice:)
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know you’re a fan of the Albatross as well, Morten !
LikeLike
I saw Uriah Heep at the De La Warr 3 years ago.
The band not a David Copperfield adaptation.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dickens beats Heap for me.
LikeLike
Like Hawkwind there is one surviving original member who has steered the ship since 1969.
An interesting example of what philosophers call the Triggers Broom Paradox.
LikeLike
I’d guess Mick Box and Dave Brock but could be wrong.
I’d also guess Hawkwind might still be fun.
LikeLike
Deep.
LikeLike