“As a journalist you can get some of your best stories in a pub,” says Keith Miller. After reporting from the world’s trouble spots over many decades, the former senior NBC News correspondent now lives in Northiam with his wife Camilla.
In coming weeks he’ll be looking for local stories for Rye News as he visits the area’s public houses, literally our pub correspondent. First though, what about the pub trade itself?
Just about everyone knows that pubs are in trouble and even disappearing at a rapid rate.
The British Beer and Pub association estimates that one pub is calling last orders every day across the country. In Rye, The Ypres Castle Inn may have found the formula to keep the wine corks popping and the beer barrels rolling. Recently The Telegraph named it one of the 50 best pubs in the land.
Jeff Bell, a trim man for a publican, has run the Ypres Castle Inn for 8 years. He’s seen ups and downs, for like all of us, COVID impacted not just his personal life but his business life too.
He came out of lockdown with a plan to revive his pub. As the kitchen was already shut he decided to turn off the gas stoves and dim the lights. He reduced overheads and focused on his passion: good wine, excellent beer, tasty bar snacks and a clutch of loyal locals.
And it is working. “People forming friendships,” he says makes his establishment special, what The Telegraph called a “sense of place.”
Indeed Bell has worked at making the Ypres Castle Inn cosy. The open fire provides the warmth. Ancient wooden beams shout stability. The cask ale keeps the regulars cheery. He is proud that his pub is a welcoming meeting place.
Call it a throwback to a time when the local was the place to gather, gossip and relax. It was for centuries a uniquely British escape. These days a modern gastro pub provides good grub, but lacks the convivial atmosphere that Bell strives for.
By his count there are 13 pubs in Rye. A remarkable number considering the current government’s crippling measures to raise money. Business rates relief cut. National Insurance contributions pumped up. Finally minimum wage kicked higher by 6.7%. Add in inflation and soaring energy costs it’s a wonder pubs can keep open at all.
Nearby Northiam once boasted five pubs. Today there are none.
Jeremy Clarkson , a newly minted pub landlord, accuses the government of “using a machine gun on publicans.”
Jeff Bell has a ready smile and an optimistic outlook. Keep it simple he says and serve top quality refreshments.
Boasting 13 pubs, it may also help that the people of Rye are a thirsty lot.
Image Credits: Keith Miller .