DOVER KENT ARCHIVES

Page Updated:- Monday, 09 September, 2024.

PUB LIST PUBLIC HOUSES Paul Skelton

Earliest 1960s

(Name from)

Pepperbox Inn

Open 2024+

Windmill Hill

Harrietsham

01622 842558

http://www.thepepperboxinn.co.uk/

https://whatpub.com/pepper-box

Pepperbox Inn 2010

Above photo 2010 by Oast House Archive Creative Commons Licence.

Pepper Box fireplace 1965

Above photo, 1965, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe. Caption on back reads:- This charming old inn stands on the highest point at the North Downs, in much-loved countryside overlooking the Weald of Kent. Originally named "The Horseshoe" it has been known as the Pepper Box for over 300 years, the name being derived from an early type of pistol. There are attractive bars with beautiful inglenook fireplaces and a well-appointed restaurant offering a fine range of food and wines. Hot fish snacks, a speciality, are available in a warm, intimate atmosphere. Overnight accommodation available..."

Pepperbox 1978

Above photo 1978, kindly sent by Dennis O'Reilly.

Pepperbox 1978

Above photo 1978, kindly sent by Dennis O'Reilly.

Pepperbox 1978

Above photo 1978, kindly sent by Dennis O'Reilly.

Pepperbox 1978

Above photo 1978, kindly sent by Dennis O'Reilly.

Pepperbox 1978

Above photo 1978, kindly sent by Dennis O'Reilly.

Pepperbox sign 2010

Above sign left, February 2005, sign right, 2010.

With thanks from Brian Curtis www.innsignsociety.com.

 

From the https://www.kentonline.co.uk By KentOnline reporter, 25 August 2009.

Village pub goes up in flames.

Pepperbox 2009

Pepperbox 2009.

Pepperbox fir damage 2009

Damage after a fire rips through the Pepperbox Inn.

Pepperbox fire roof damage 2009

Roof damage.

pepperbox fire roof damage 2009

Roof damage.

Ulcombe's 16th Century Pepperbox Inn has been severely damaged by fire.

Firefighters were called to reports of a blaze at the rural pub, east of Maidstone, shortly after 5.30pm last night.

Despite their efforts to quench the fire, a section of the historic building's roof was left severely damaged, while half of the ground floor kitchen was damaged.

No one is thought to have been injured in the incident.

Four pumps, from Lenham, Charing and Maidstone attended, supported by a height vehicle from Medway.

The fire was reported as out at 6.37pm and firefighters left the scene an hour later.

A crew from Lenham were later called back, at 11.47pm, as a small timber joist had reignited.

They left the scene just after 12.30am this morning.

 

Information below from their web site 2014.

Jack & Betty Wood first came to the "Pepperbox" back in 1958, then the Inn was still known as the "Horseshoes" and the name 'Pepperbox' (which refers to an early type of pistol) was a local nickname, the name was officially changed by Jack during the 1960's. Records show that not long before the pub had also been the village shop including bake house & butchery, some of the butchers hooks still hang from the beams in the main bar.

Jack & Betty and their daughters established an Inn with a reputation for good food, good beer and a warm welcome (and many late night drinking sessions & games of liar dice if the rumours are to be believed.)

The Inn has had a few changes in its time, with an extended dining area and larger kitchen, but the overall charm and warmth remains the same as it always was, with the main bar still characterised by the large inglenook fire and the hops that hang over the many tankards of the pubs regulars who have come and gone over the years.

Currently run by Jack & Betty's daughter & grand daughter, we our now entering our 3rd generation of Shepherd Neame tenants.

 

From the https://www.kentlive.news By Lauren MacDougall, 25 June 2018.

8 Shepherd Neame pubs in Kent have been recognised in the brewery's annual awards.

The Faversham brewery has held its annual awards - and plenty of pubs in Kent cleaned up at the special ceremony.

Shepherd Neame has announced the winners of its annual pub awards, with eight of its 322 pubs and hotels across London and the South East taking home prizes.

The awards were announced in a ceremony at the Conningbrook Hotel, Ashford on Tuesday, June 19 and honour pubs from all over the county, from Dover to Canterbury.

Shepherd Neame chief executive Jonathan Neame said: “This has been a year of record investment in our pub estate, as we aim to attract our customers through great design, to excite them with a superb offer and to retain them by providing a memorable experience.

“These awards are aimed at recognising the hard work, dedication, and creativity of our licensees, managers and staff, and celebrating excellence in our industry.”

This pub picked up one of the awards.

Sarah & Jeff Pemble 2018

Sarah Pemble at the Pepper Box Inn.

Sarah Pemble, licensee at the Pepper Box Inn in Ulcombe, near Maidstone, received an award recognising 60 years of service by her family.

Her parents Jack and Betty Wood first came to the Pepper Box in 1958, and established a reputation for good food, good beer and a warm welcome.

Sarah and husband Jeff Pemble took over the pub in 1984, and continued to build the pub’s excellent reputation. Two years ago, their daughter Sophie began sharing the tenancy with them.

Sarah said: “Our pub is the epitome of a family business, and we are delighted to have our work recognised with this award.

“Many things have changed throughout the past six decades, but our approach to running the Pepper Box hasn’t. We have loved our time here and are proud to say that it has remained a traditional country pub, without any gimmicks and without music or football, offering a warm welcome, great drinks and great food.”

 

From the https://www.kentlive.news By Lauren MacDougall, 6 November 2019.

Kent’s cosiest pubs with gorgeous log fires that will shield you from the cold.

These stunning pubs come with crackling fires, beautiful interiors and tasty food.

Is there anything better than curling up next a toasty log fire, pint in hand?

With the winter months drawing in and November predicted to be one of the coldest ever, knowing your local cosy pub with a gorgeous log fire is more important than ever.

Whether you're looking for a tipple after a brisk walk or just after a warm afternoon out, there's plenty of choice.

These stunning pubs come with crackling fires, beautiful interiors and tasty food.

Some of them even have more than one wood burner, so you won't be fighting for the coveted space in front of the flickering flames.

If you're looking for some inspiration, check out our list below.

The Pepperbox Inn.

Pepperbox inside 2019

Where : Windmill Hill, Harrietsham, Maidstone ME17 1LP.

What : Just a short distance from Leeds Castle on the Greensand Way and the South Eastern Toll Ride, The Pepperbox Inn is an ideal spot for walkers looking for shelter from the cold.

There are outstanding views of the Weald of Kent from the large hop covered terrace and in the colder months, comfortable leather sofas next to large inglenook fireplaces.

 

As the information is found or sent to me, including photographs, it will be shown here.

Thanks for your co-operation.

 

LICENSEE LIST

WOOD Jack & Betty 1958-84

PEMBLE Jeff & Sarah 1984-2016

PEMBLE Jeff, Betty & Sophie 2016+

 

If anyone should have any further information, or indeed any pictures or photographs of the above licensed premises, please email:-

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