ANCHOR Pubs of Wingham

DOVER KENT ARCHIVES

Page Updated Wingham:- Monday, 01 April, 2024.

PUB LIST

PUBLIC HOUSES

Paul Skelton

Earliest 1645?

(Name from)

Anchor

Open 2020+

High Street

Wingham

01227 720392

http://www.theanchoratwingham.com/

https://www.facebook.com

https://whatpub.com/anchor-inn

Above postcard, 1903, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe.

Above postcard, circa 1903, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe.

Above picture shows the Anchor Inn 1907. Kindly sent by Pam Lacey.

Above shows the Anchor Inn circa 1914 with publican Mr. Twiddy and family. (From John Grand). Kindly sent by Pam Lacey.

Above photo, circa 1920. Kindly sent by Rory Kehoe. A charabanc outing for the Westmarsh Market Gardeners' Association.

Above photo, 1926, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe.

Above postcard, 1926, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe.

Above postcard, circa 1927, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe.

Anchor at Wingham circa 1930. Jim Greatorex, son of landlord Archie Greatorex, 1958-74 says the cottage behind the Anchor sign used to be attached to the "Anchor" and part of the property, but was demolished soon after his father took over in 1958. The business card shown below shows the cottage removed.

Above painting, circa 1955, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe.

Above photo circa 1959, believed to show Archie Greatorex, his wife and dog. Kindly sent by Rory Kehoe.

Above shows a business card circa 1960's.

Above photo showing the East Kent and Wantsum Morris sides 1974. Picture by Rory Kehoe (c/o Wantsum Morris)

Above photo by Paul Skelton 17 February 2008.

Above map 1896.

Above sign left by Paul Skelton 17 February 2008. Sign right August 1991 with thanks from Brian Curtis www.innsignsociety.com

Above sign left July 2014. Kindly taken by Dave Underdown. Sign right May 2016, by Tony Wells.

Above photo, May 2016, kindly sent by Tony Wells.

From left to right, the Anchor contains portions of 15th, 16th and 18th century buildings that represent "Canons Row". They are supposed to represent the Colligate buildings of the six Canons attached to the Collegiate Church.

Below is a copy of an article that can be found hanging in a frame upon one of the walls inside the pub.

The inn known as the "Anchor" was built during reign of Charles I (1625-1649) in the year 1645.

Records show that originally it was two farm cottages, part of a larger estate. Extensive works were carried out in the early eighteenth century and the two cottages were made to form one. It was during this period that the house became an "Ale House".

"Ale Houses" became popular in the eighteenth century, though they are recorded as far back as 1200. Their popularity was due to the vast growing numbers of small independent breweries opening up all over Kent, who sought extra outlets in their ales and ciders.

By the mid eighteenth century, greatly improved highways, faster coaches, and the steady growth of a regular postal service brought about the needs for a stage post house in Wingham. The site of the "Ale House", now the "Anchor" was chosen, and a stage post room was set up where mail was collected and sorted before being taken by post boys to outer lying areas.

To accommodate the post boys a room on the first floor of the inn was sectioned off into cubicles and fitted with small cot beds. There the post boys would remain until called upon to carry out their duties. Each was supplied with a post sack and post horn.

In 1760, a license was granted, and the house became the "Anchor" and a sign duly hung. The significance of the sign of the anchor, dates back to the Pilgrim fathers, and is a religious sign of hope.

The first recorded landlord of the "Anchor" was one Joh Puttock, a farmer of the parish of Wingham.

The inn today gives out the same generous glow of warmth and hospitality that it has done for over two centuries, so stay, enjoy the fare and reflect on those bygone days.

Above article by kind permission of The Anchor.

The pub today (August 2014) has love and passion for real ales, food and superb folk and blues music.

Kentish Gazette 10th June 1791.

TO THE GENTLEMEN FLORISTS.

Your company is requested to hold the Annual Pink Feasts as under, at Mr. John Tipper's, at the "Jolly Gardener," Finglesham, Mr. James Powel's, "Anchor" at Wingham, and at Mr. John Williams's at the "New Inn," Sandwich.

Signed by John Tipper.

Kentish Gazette 05 April 1793.

To the FLORISTS.

Gentlemen, your company is requested to hold the Annual Auricula Feasts, as under;

At Mr. John Tipper's, at the "Jolly Gardener," at Finglesham, on Monday the 15th of April, and at Mr. James Powel's, at the "Anchor," at Wingham, on Monday the 22nd of April.

No flower to be shewn with less than six pips.

Every person, shewing a flower, to pay Half-a-Crown entrance.

Prizes, 12s - 9s - 7s - 5s.

Dinner on table at half past one o'clock.

Finglesham, April 2, 1793.

Kentish Gazette 18 December 1801.

Monday last died Mrs. Powell, of the "Anchor" public house at Wingham.

Kentish Weekly Post or Canterbury Journal 5 July 1803.

Died on Sunday se'nnight, at the "Anchor," Wingham, Mr. Henry Sandcraft, boot and shoemaker, aged 58, leaving a wife and six children to lament his loss.

Kentish Gazette 24 April 1804.

Shows Mrs. Sandcraft at the "Anchor Inn," Wingham, hosting Annual Auricula Feast. (Flower show.)

From Kentish Gazette 16 April 1833.

TO FLORISTS.

Gentlemen,

Your Company is requested on Thursday 25th instant, at Mrs. Sandcraft's the "Blue Anchor," Wingham, to hold the annual Auricula Feast.

At the last meeting it was resolved unanimously, that Carr Culmer, Esq. and Stephen Elgar, Esq. be re-elected Stewards for the ensuing year; and that the value of the Five Prizes be determined at the meeting.

Dinner on table at Two o'clock.

An almost identical report article is in the Kentish Gazette 28 April 1835 (2 years later). And this reference to the BLUE Anchor at this time, is either a mistake or indeed the pus are one and the same. If so, I do not know why or when the name changed.

From the Kentish Gazette, 21 January 1845.

DEATH.

Sandcraft - Jan 8, at the "Anchor Inn," Wingham, Mr. Henry Sandcraft, aged 61.

Kentish Gazette, 11 March 1851.

Wingham Division, March 6.

George Harris Beal, landlord of the "Three Tuns" (sic) public house, Wingham, was charged by Superintendent M'Gregor with selling liquors on Sunday. The case was proved, and defendant fined 5s. and 14s. costs.

Kentish Gazette, 29 July 1851.

Wingham.

On the 21st inst., an old man of the name of Wm. Perren, while intoxicated was robbed of his watch and appendages at the "Anchor" public-house, by a woman of questionable character, with whom he had been drinking for some time. Another robbery was effected from the bundle of a hawker of the name of Deacon. In this case the bundle was opened, and a silk dress abstracted, while left in the bed room of the "Dog" public house. No clue has yet been obtained at the whereabouts of the authors of the robberies.

Kentish Mercury 13 March 1852.

Manslaughter at Wingham.

Henry Webb, (31, neither) chair-bottomer, was charged on the coroner's inquisition, with the manslaughter of David Jeilding, at Wingham.

Mr Rose conducted the prosecution.

It appeared from the evidence, that the deceased and the prisoner were at the "Anchor" public house, Wingham, in November last, when a dispute arose as to the payment of some fish to a third person. The landlord remove them from the house, when they went to a meadow adjoining, and fought. After a few rounds they both fell to the ground, and on the deceased being raised he was unable to stand, upon which he was removed to the "Anchor."

A witness name Bradley, gave evidence of the foregoing facts, and also said that the prisoner at the time was slightly in liquor, while the deceased was sober.

Mr F H Sankey, surgeon, of Wingham, gave evidence that when he was called upon to attend the deceased, he found in quite insensible from concussion of the brain. There were no external marks of violence, and death arose from an effusion of blood on the brain, occasion by violence.

The prisoners denied any intention of injuring the deceased, and also that he (deceased) was of a quarrelsome disposition, and was the originator of the affray.

The learned Judge went through the evidence, and explained the law, that if anyone was engaged in a fight by which one might be killed, although the survivor might not have occasioned to the broil, he will be guilty of manslaughter, and all persons abetting such fights, by the attendance, will be equally responsible. The jury, without leaving the box, gave a verdict of "Not guilty," and his lordship directed the prisoner to be discharged.

Kentish Gazette, 16 March 1852.

KENT LENT ASSIZE.

As we stated in our last, the commission was opened on Monday, at Maidstone, and the trials proceeded with on Tuesday, when the busines in both Courts commenced at ten o'clock:—

Mr. Justice Parke presiding in the Nisi Prius, and Mr. Justice Coleridge in the Criminal Court.

MANSLAUGHTER AT WINGHAM.

Henry Webb, 31, was indicted for the manslaughter of Davey Yielding, at Wingham.

Mr. Rose conducted the prosecution, and the prisoner was undefended.

James Bradley deposed that he lived at Wingham, and was at the "Anchor" public-house on the 13th November, where the prisoner and deceased also were. A dispute arose between prisoner and deceased about paying for some fish. Witness said "don't quarrel about it, and I will pay for them," and gave the boy twopence for that purpose. Deceased and prisoner went out to fight, when deceased seized and threw him. Prisoner got up and said "I know I can't thrash you, but I will fight you as long as I can." They then went into a marsh, where they fought for nearly half an hour. Both fell in the last round. Deceased was picked up but never spoke after. Prisoner was in liquor but deceased was not.

Frederick H. Sankey, surgeon, saw deceased on the morning after the fight, who was in the stable of the "Dog" public house. Found him insensible, and suffering from compression of the brain. Made a post mortem examination, but found no external marks of violence. Was of opinion that death ensued from an effusion of blood on the right side of the brain.

Acquitted.

Southeastern Gazette, 30 August 1853.

Marriage.

Aug. 14, at Wingham, Mr. George Andrews, landlord of the "Anchor Inn," to Miss Stone, of Wingham.

From the Kentish Chronicle, 29 December, 1860.

FATAL ACCIDENT AT WINGHAM.

One of the most serious accidents that have happened here for some time past occurred on the afternoon of Friday last, and resulted in the death of one man, named Harrison Wellard, a waggoner in the service of a farmer in the neighbourhood, and very serious injury to his mate, William Winter.

The two men were in charge of a team of horses in Wingham-street, when the animals suddenly galloped off, but from what cause has not transpired. Every possible attempt had been made to stop them by taking the rod and front horse by the head, but without effect. Minter and Wellard were knocked down, and the waggon wheels passed over them, when nearing the "Anchor"; and the latter was so much injured as to cause his death within a few minutes of the occurrence.

On Saturday afternoon, the county coroner, T. T. Delasaux, Esq., held an inquest on the body of deceased Wellard, at the "Anchor Inn," when the above particulars having been deposed to by George Deverson, a labourer, the jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

As soon after the accident as possible, the surviving man was removed to the Kent and Canterbury Hospital, where every possible assistance and care was promptly rendered to him.

Whitstable Times and Herne Bay Herald, 22 January 1870.

WINGHAM.

A number of "knights of the trigger" assembled on Thursday week at Vennington in this village, and enjoyed a capital day's rabbit shooting, bagging about 10 brace. An excellent dinner was supplied in the evening by Mr. James Elgar, of the "Anchor Inn," to which ample justice was done. The healths of the “Queen and Royal Family,” the worthy host, &c,. were drank with true Kentish fire.

From the Canterbury Journal, Kentish Times and Farmers' Gazette, 12 July 1884.

WINGHAM. THE STORM.

During the storm of Saturday morning the lightning struck a chimney stack on the side wall of the "Anchor Inn," Wingham. A zinc chimney pot was shattered, and the electric fluid passed down the brickwork and forced out a large iron stove with mantelpiece attached. The ornaments and a large looking glass remained unbroken. This vent evidently saved the side of the house. The fluid then descended to the room below burning the paper above the fireplace, and left distinct yellowish marks of zig-zag shape on the hearth. Outside the chimney the gutter and pipe were perforated with two small holes, and a rafter split into several pieces. The damage was accompanied by a loud report and smoke.

From the Whitstable Times and Herne Bay Herald, Saturday 15 September, 1883.

A DISGRACEFUL POSITION.

Richard Dadds, of independent means, was brought up in custody, charged with being drunk and disorderly in Wingham Street, on the 4th September.

I.C. Leggett deposed that on the day in question, he found the prisoner nearly opposite the "Anchor Inn," shouting, swearing, and very drunk, within the hearing of a number of children. When Police-constable Enson went to him, he threw himself down in the road and kicking the constable.

Accused: I have been dogged about as if I was a ticket-of-leave man, and don't like it. I was born and bred here. Both constables have allied against me. I have been prohibited from having anything, even ginger beer, at one or two houses. This is my native place. Am I to be hunted away from it?” Another charge of drunkenness and disorderly conduct on the 16th August was then preferred against the prisoner. On it being read over to him Dadds observed, "Oh, I have heard that three or four times." (Laughter). I.C. Leggett stated that when he spoke to the man on this occasion, he said his name was Dadds, that he was a gentleman, and paid for the likes of him (the constable).

Prisoner: Confine yourself to the truth.

Leggett (continuing) said he had at last to pick him up and carry him home to his lodgings.

Prisoner was then charged with a similar offence on the 28th of August.

Prisoner: That was the last occasion, I believe. (Laughter.)

The constables said they had to carry the man home.

Accused: You are lying as fast as my little dog can gallop. (A laugh.)

You would lie through the great wall of China. (Renewed laughter.)

The Clerk to the magistrates (Mr. W. N. Wightwick): Do you wish to ask the constable any questions?

Dadds: No. I have seen enough of him already.

Supt. Kewell said the prisoner was convicted on the 10th July last for being drunk, and from that time to the present he did not believe the man had been sober. He was not satisfied with being drunk and disorderly in the public streets, but he sat at his windows and on the doorsill insulting people, and he (the Superintendent) had been obliged to tell off a constable almost entirely to look after him. He insulted nearly every respectable person, and his conversation was filthy and disgusting. He was an intolerable nuisance, and nothing short of imprisonment would, he thought do him any good. He had an income of about £5 per week.

Replying to the Bench as to the mental condition of the accused, Supt. Kewell said he was perfectly sane. He had been two days in custody, and was now as rational as any person in court. He only wanted keeping from drink. No licensed victualler would serve him with drink, and be adopted every means he could to obtain it by sending other people.

Dadds: They won’t let me have ginger-beer or anything.

The Bench sentenced prisoner to three months’ imprisonment without hard labour — one month for each offence; also to pay the costs, or to be further incarcerated for seven days in each instance.

From the Canterbury Journal, Kentish Times and Farmers' Gazette, 12 July 1884.

ASSAULT.

Maxworth Hudson was charged with assaulting John Michael Moyes at Wingham on the 24th June. Moyes, a labourer, deposed that on the 24th June he was at the "Anchor Oddfellows Club," when Hudson said he wanted to speak to witness outside. He then said "If you don't keep your mouth shut I will shut it." Witness threatened to summon him, and defendant then threw him down and struck him. John Davis corroborated. Fined 5s. and 10s. costs.

From The Dover Express, Friday, April 24, 1896.

ADVERTISEMENT.

E. H. Cork, Late of "Three Colts," Sandwich, having taken the "Anchor," Wingham, wishes to inform the public that he will cater for parties of all descriptions.

Teas provided on the shortest notice.

Good Stabling.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 20 February, 1914. Price 1d.

ANNUAL LICENSING MEETING

The licensee of the "Anchor," Wingham was granted an extension from 10 to 11 p.m. on Saturday, February 28th, on the occasion of the annual concert of the Oddfellows' Lodge.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 2 June, 1922. Price 1½d.

An application was made by Mr. Twiddy for an hour's extension on Thursday next, on the occasion of the annual dinner of the Lesser Stour Football Club; and this was granted.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 5 October, 1923. Price 1½d.

LICENSING

Plans for extending the "Anchor Inn," Wingham, by taking an adjoining stage, making two extra bedrooms and a separate entrance to the bar parlour, were submitted; and approved.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 4 January, 1924. Price 1½d.

LICENSING

An extension was granted for the "Anchor," Wingham, for the Market Gardeners' dinner on January 16th.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 2 January, 1925. Price 1½d.

Mr. E. G. Twiddy, of the "Anchor Inn," Wingham, was granted an extension of one hour for the annual dinner of the market gardeners on January 14th.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 22 January, 1926. Price 1½d.

COUNTY PETTY SESSIONS

The "Anchor Inn," Wingham, was granted an extension from 10 to 11 p.m. on February 3rd for the annual dinner of the Market Gardeners' Association.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 18 October, 1935.

DOVER LICENSING SESSIONS

Extensions

An extension was granted for the "Anchor," Wingham, from 10 to 10.30 p.m. on October 19th, for the Folkestone Cricket Club annual dinner.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, 28 October, 1938. Price 1½d.

LICENCE EXTENSIONS

The licensee of the “Anchor Inn,” Wingham, was granted an extension until 11 p.m. on November 10th for a British Legion dinner.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 17 March, 1939. Price 1½d.

LICENCE EXTENSIONS

Extensions of time were granted to the "Anchor Inn," Wingham, on March 16th, from 10 p.m. to 10.30 p.m., for the annual supper and social evening of the Pearl Insurance Coy., Ltd.

Saturday 5th August 2006 Ghost Search

There appears to be no found documented history on The Anchor inn, we do, however, know that the building first started out as three cottages (thought to be Tudor?). When the conversion took place we have no idea. However, Wingham itself is steeped in history and I have added some highlights for you to read:

Wingham has been a settlement for centuries, it was occupied during the New Stone Age and by the Celtic tribes.

It is likely that Wingham got it's name early in the Saxon period, then known as "Wigingaham": meaning 'Settlement of the people of Wigga - Wigga itself being the name of the leader who brought his people to Wingham. Richard l (the lion heart) was in Wingham in 1194 as well as his brother King John in 1213. During the 1890's coal was first discovered here which led to an establishment of a colliery at Wingham (since closed). In 1252 two fairs a year (May & October) were held in the local churchyard, but by 1444 they were expelled due to 'Noise & Ribaldry'!

This beautiful building seems endless once you cross the threshold. I'm not going to give too much away as I think it will be nice for the team to come across the many Spirit that reside here for themselves. What took both Adam and myself by surprise was the high number of active Spirit that came to meet us whilst we sat having a cup of coffee. All the Spirit introduced themselves and presented themselves as happy. I was quite interested to note that at one time Wingham was a meeting place of the clergy for sending members to Parliament and would hold council and give seat of petty-sessions. The interest came because a male energy had presented himself as a man of 'title', it is in one of the upper rooms that we found a number of other male energies who appeared to be holding a meeting with regards to the village of Wingham and the locals....although I don't think the villagers of the time knew they were lining their own pockets!! I'm looking forward to investigating The Anchor Inn, I feel there is much history to be found within these walls, lets hope the residential Spirit are willing to spill all!

The Investigation Report

The Anchor Inn was one of those locations that was alive with Spirit activity, but lacking in information. We started with a séance in the function room on the first floor. We were all aware of the presence of Spirit and there was plenty of hand movement and pushing and pulling. At one stage it looked as if Glen (medium) was dancing. Donna was made aware of a gentleman of about 5'5"-5'6" with a round chubby face; she said that he wore a suit. Some time later a tall man made his presence known to her and gave the impression of having passed with chest pains and unable to get his breath. Neither of the gents offered any further information. Several members of the circle felt uncomfortable and nauseous at times, and were aware of flashing/moving lights around the room. The room was pitch black and although we couldn't see anything Peter (camera operator) who was holding Donna's hand in the circle, felt Donna's bracelet move up her arm and fall back down onto his hand, even though both of their hands were down and hadn't been moved. Glen had a lady and young girl ask her for help (to cross over), this was done. I saw a man in RAF uniform running calling out "it's over, it's over" (I had the feeling of WW2 but I was not sure where he was). In his excitement he forgot to be alert to danger and stepped onto a landmine and was killed instantly.

In the kitchen we discovered a male energy who took great delight in holding peoples hands. If you held your hand out palm up and fingers straight, you could feel a "solid" hand hold yours, and the fingers on your hand slowly moved into a grasping position. This was experienced by at least six people. Again no information was given.

In the bar area we held a table tipping session as these always prove to be popular (both with the guests and Spirit). Just to prove that the energy moving the table is "aware" we asked it to move the table towards Les (researcher) which it did, we then asked it to find Gary (Parapsychologist), again, it did without hesitation. We then sat Shannon (guest) on the table and asked Spirit to move the table gently, and the table slowly moved in an anti-clockwise direction. We decided to see if we could gain some information from the Spirit concerned. We asked Spirit to move the table in one direction to show us a "Yes" answer. The table turned anti-clockwise, we established that we were in contact with a male, who had passed over in 1752 aged 64 (he passed of natural causes). It was a shame that we didn't get more in the way of information, but we cannot dictate to Spirit what we do or don't want. Each event is an experiment and we have no control over the happenings (or lack of).

Many thanks to Di for the lovely food and coffee, and the warm welcome she extended to us all.

Pete. (Ghost Search Uk Paranormal investigator).

http://www.ghostsearchuk.co.uk/

From an email received 14 March 2011

I'm finding your site more and more interesting!

My G. Grandfather actually left The "Three Colts" in Sandwich in 1898 to take over the license of The "Anchor Inn" at Wingham, but died shortly after going there.

His wife Sarah took over the license and lived there with her two sons Horace Leonard (my grandfather) and Ernest Sydney.

I was really interested to read how the "Anchor" was used as a posting station, as in 1901 my grandfather and his brother were both listed as "Postal Rural Messenger."

Ernest later took over as licensee until about 1914 when he opened a fish and chip shop in Canterbury and died shortly afterwards as the result of injuries sustained when one of the fat ovens exploded!

I have attached a couple of early pictures that I have of the "Anchor" and one of The "Three Colts" that I have. I would love to be able to make the visit down to Kent sometime but at the moment I live in North Yorkshire so it's a bit of a trek. Hope the photos are of some interest.

Pam Lacey.

Closed for a period in 2008-9 the CAMRA Branch Meeting of the Dover and District area reported that the pub had reopened again in November 2009.

From the Dover Mercury, 15 November 2017.

MP Craig Mackinlay supports a poppy coffee morning at the Anchor in Wingham.

Sandwich MP Craig Mackinlay joined residents at a poppy coffee morning at the Anchor pub in Wingham.

Organiser Lynne Connolly achieved an ambition of serving behind the bar - albeit tea and coffee.

It was very much a village activity with all the shops and restaurants giving prizes for the raffle. They also had bric-a-brac and cake stalls.

Last year’s event raised £500 towards Wingham’s Poppy Appeal which totalled more than £4,000.

MP visits pub for Poppy Appeal coffee morning.

Mr Mackinlay said: “I was very pleased to be able to support Wingham's poppy coffee morning, which was once again very well supported by local residents. Lynne Connolly did a fantastic job organising it on behalf of the village and my thanks also must go to Kevin and Michelle Abbott for allowing us to use the pub.

"Our armed forces personnel and their families are, rightly, held in very high regard in our country. As South Thanet's Member of Parliament, I will take every opportunity to join my constituents in honouring the incredible sacrifices they make while protecting our freedom and keeping Britain safe.”

From the https://www.kentonline.co.uk By Secret Drinker, 27 January 2020.

Secret Drinker reviews The Anchor Inn at Wingham, near Canterbury.

Wandering into Wingham, near Canterbury, I felt I’d walked into the archetypal Kent village and couldn’t wait to get my hands on a decent pint.

Spying the "Dog" at the top end I felt sure it would deliver a great drop of beer and serve a tasty lunch. However, and I don’t want to be negative, it felt a touch snooty to me.

So, ignoring the perfectly manicured bushes and awards handed out by a motoring organisation, I headed down the road until I fell through the door of the Anchor Inn.

When I say ‘fell’, I didn’t quite, but it was very close as Weanie the lurcher was stretched out on the stripped floorboards in front of the open fire just through the main entrance.

It’s clear four-legged friends are not only welcome here, they’re positively encouraged, to the point where the staff work around them.

Having successfully negotiated a route to the bar I tested the Chocolate Porter which is a powerful, tasty drop but perhaps a little hefty for a lunchtime.

Instead I settled for Plough On from the Butcombe Brewing Company, a 4.1% winter ale which still carried a good rich, nutty flavour and is well worth sampling.

What an absolutely superb village boozer, low beams with hops, real fires, bar billiards, a Whitbread sign dating back to 1742 and dominant dogs. And, as if this wasn’t enough, there was even a jovial fellow fixing accordions in the back room and a traditional ‘bing-bong’ bell to tell the bar staff when food is ready.

Originally two farm cottages, this pub was built during the reign of Charles I in 1645 which may explain why there are three great open fireplaces and a lovely, slightly smoky, aroma.

The front bar was buzzy for a mid-week lunchtime but I left the locals to it in favour of a wonderful old sofa in a private area in front of log fire number two.

I found a perfect spot behind the main dining room in front of real fire number two.

There is a massive garden outside with plenty of seating.

I selected a personal favourite from the impressive menu and the busy, bustling barmaid served me quite simply the best broccoli and stilton soup I have ever tasted, along with a serious slab of crusty bread.

By now I’d been joined by Elvis, a 10-month-old Shih Tzu, who was just one big soft fluff ball. However, Elvis must have been on the drink himself as he needed to leave the building - I followed to take a look at the garden too, and I’m glad I did. It might not be sitting outside weather right now, but this is a great space and anywhere which gives the hens their own lawnmower has to be okay.

Back inside, and partly to keep commenter ‘boredinkent’ happy, I ordered a pud– see, I wasn’t a “total wuss” this time. The cherry and Disaronno cheesecake looked and tasted equally as brilliant as the soup, though the texture took me slightly by surprise.

Pub dogs Kitty and Kizzy, mum and daughter (black spaniels I think), joined the canine crew and some toddlers were playing with toys in my sofa spot so I left them to it to re-join the front bar.

Here, Chris, rolling fags from a tin on the bar, was busy denying the Anchor was now his home and said he’s never in for more than three hours each day.

Several suited and booted folk with black ties were also in following a wake and were celebrating the departed in the best way possible, plenty of pints and many good memories.

On my way out I came across Kevin sitting on a bench at the front of the pub and discovered he’s not only an accordion player of distinction who heads up his own band but, in tandem with ‘er upstairs who must be obeyed’ owns the place.

Given the great atmosphere and its position at the heart of this lovely village I was surprised when Kev told me what a terrible, rough place The Anchor was when he took it over seven years ago. Just goes to show what hard work and determination can achieve, a thriving boozer which is confident enough to combine Tai Chi and ukulele playing within the same event, and it was voted Best Entertainment pub in 2014.

As the sign says, this pub keeps it real – the food, the ales, the music and the people - which all means you end up with a really great community pub catering for everyone.

The Dog at the top end may be trendy and upmarket with great gastro food, but for me, you can keep it – give me the delights and the dogs at the Anchor Inn every day and twice on Sunday - when I really should return for a roast.