Despite vague history on the building we are endeavoring to research more thoroughly as to the origins and existence
of this unique building. What we do know is that one end has been dated to as far back as the 14th century. It has been
used as a coaching inn its outbuildings show that with the barn in the garden and the toilet area clearly having started life
as a stable block.
It is also known and apparent that part of the Harton Manor next door was sold off to the pub in order to provide
more space. As I made clear there are no specifics as yet ... until tests and research is completed.
We also know that the pub was once called "the New Inn" But under the ownership of a previous landlord called Bill
Coles and his wife, it was changed. The reason for which was quite amusing, The Dray-men (Beer delivery men) were
making many mistakes on their deliveries due to the vast amount of public houses sharing the same name. In a bid to
shed this problem Bill Coles set up a competition to re-name the pub and the winner would get a barrel of beer. The
Winner was chosen for her play on words and for the highly appropriate choice... as this used to be where the local
hunt used to meet; @ the HEART of the village...
What is clear is that this is a building with bags of character and many features, previous trends and fads have almost
eradicated in pubs of today.
A further update on the history, photos and in-depth research will be added soon!
