Bohemia Village Voice

Crier witrh Robin and Joan

Joan and Robin Young took over the Dripping Spring in Tower Road in October, and are enthusiastic about building it up as a traditional pub, with real ales, a darts team, shove ha’penny, and the sort of friendly atmosphere where people can relax and chat. They celebrated taking over the pub with a party on 3rd November, featuring Hastings Town Crier, Jon Bartholomew, and a wide variety of music and song. The ‘Drip’ is already known for its real ales, and Robin and Joan are continuing the tradition, featuring six different real ales at weekends and at least four during the week. They are impressed with the pub’s owners, Enterprise Inns, who gave the pub a gazebo on the second day of the “no smoking” regulations. The couple formerly ran the George & Dragon, near Tonbridge, where they had a good reputation for their food. They also ran the Old Town’s Hastings Arms about 12 years ago. Joan has a background in catering, and they hope to eventually open the first floor as a restaurant. In the meantime, it’s ploughman’s lunches and sandwiches.  “It’s a traditional pub,” says Joan, “with real ale, a nice welcome, and people coming in just to chat.”