Last Wednesday evening a couple arrived quite late at the Salehurst Halt, hoping for some food. They were in luck, as the chefs were about to close the kitchen but could squeeze these last two people in. They were both very grateful, being as hungry as they were, and even more so that we could provide both a gluten free and a vegetarian option.
These weary travelers said they thought it must be fate that had brought them to the Halt, for one of them was training to be a vicar and as they had pulled up outside the pub, they heard the church bells ringing out.
Maybe it was fate, but between you and us, the 8 bells of St Mary’s ring out every Wednesday as it is bell ringing practice. And once practice is complete, the campanologists pop into the Salehurst Halt for a couple of pints – as they have been doing for well over a hundred years.
One of the team, John, came across an article dated 1916 that reported on the St Mary’s bell ringers coming into the pub that was then named the 8 Bells – and if you read down to the names, we not only have the bell ringers still visiting more than one hundred years later, but also the the Hoad’s are still coming in to sample the Harveys beer that their crops of hops go into making.
Our cosy little country pub has generations of locals come and sample our warm hospitality. We welcome them all, as do we new, hungry travellers who just happen to stumble across us.
The Salehurst bell ringers are always looking for people who would like to join them, up in the belfry, to learn how to ring the bells, so do pop in and leave your details if you fancy having a go.
