Above photo, circa 2024, kindly sent by Nigel Humphrey.

Above photo, pre 1980 showing licensee Len Sloman from Paul Shippey.

From http://www.twtowncrier.co.uk accessed 13 August 2018.

The Lost Pubs around Paddock Wood: Part One.

“The Hostelries of Paddock Wood”

Moving on from Queen Street and proceeding towards Brenchley the thirsty traveller would first encounter the "Elm Tree Inn" (now happily a thriving concern once again) and then find himself at the "Mile Oak Inn" near Catts Place.

Between 1841 and 1851 the pub licensee was William Feaver but by 1861 it was Edward Field. How long he remained landlord is not known but in 1871 the premises were run by Harry Curd who remained mine host until sometime after 1901 when Edwin Ongley took over the licence. The inn changed hands again in 1922 when William Woodgate became landlord. His widow Doris was still running the pub in 1938.

This inn was very small and had a somewhat unconventional layout consisting of one room. The last licensee of the "Mile Oak Inn" was Mr Len Sloman who, being afflicted with a club foot which limited his ability to stand, sat on the stairs at the back and served the customers from a tiny bar. Towards the end of the evening’s business he would on occasion cause a large jug of ale to be brought up from the cellar and then retire to bed, placing a bowl by the bar into which the die-hard regulars placed their money!

The inn closed in 1980 and is now a private house.