November 2026. St. Leonards-on-Sea. East Sussex.
I’ve been down in Rye for a few days before Dad’s funeral, taking father-in-law to East Grinstead for scans and generally dealing with masses of paperwork.
With Kent and East Sussex Beer Guide chapters complete, it would have been nice to get in a West Sussex tick or two, but I just didn’t fancy that 3 hour rail trip to a suburb of Crawley;
Simon had sneaked down to the south coast at the weekend, with some surprising opinions on one of my favourite pubs;
St Leonards is 26 minutes and £5.55 away, let’s see if BRAPA was right (there is no right/wrong).
One of my very favourite towns,
St Leonard’s would be great if it was just coffee shops, colour and cuddly toys.
But it’s the Horse & Groom, back in the GBG after seemingly rotating with the Nag’s Head, that’s the must.
Back in 2022, I seemed to focus on “ribald” bants, kock-off videos and moaning.
Today, it’s an oasis of Old Boy calm.
No music, two whisperers play chess, one reads Private Eye at the bar,
the young group next door debate willow frames and cle…matis.
It’s perfect. A bit “dour” for some, perhaps, but the pub itself recognises that in its “Doom & Gloom” rogues gallery. I reckon Simon and his Dad are just too cheerful for the Horse & Groom.
I’ve picked the same comfy seat as in 2022, the perfect spot to eavesdrop on conversations about allergies to cats and beer strengths in the ’90s.
The Harvey’s is under a fiver, and as 4 years ago is near perfect, though CAMRA has banned perfection.
The youngsters says “Shall we get these down us and all head down to the sea ?”.
I think “Wonder what the Fullers ESB tastes like ?“. Potent, if not perfect.
In the outside garden, a Richard Hawley lookalike strums his acoustic guitar.
How could anyone not love this place ?
Simon needs to give his head a wobble.
Sorry to hear about your dad, I lost mine in June.
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