Nothing stays the same forever, even in Rye. People and places change, families move away, new families move into town and businesses change hands. The Bedford Arms, once a popular local for many years, a pub popular with fisherman, families and visitors alike, has helped to create so many happy memories and hopefully will continue to do so.
Following a complete and sympathetic refurbishment, new landlords Georgia and Kev (also owners of The Swan in Wittersham) have transformed the pub, now renamed The Cricketers. It’s not officially open fully yet but, as I was passing on Saturday, I dropped in to introduce myself (any excuse for a pint) and have a nose. Georgia and Kev are still finalising the finishing touches but what a difference they have made.
A sleek new hand-built bar greets you as you walk in and your attention is immediately drawn to the garden, a really private suntrap where you can enjoy live cricket matches being played on The Salts from the comfort of your table whilst sipping something cold as you take in the sun (when it decides to make an appearance).
This pub is a must for cricket fans, and there’s plenty of seating and space inside too, great for families or groups. It is bright and nicely finished with stools at the bar where I met a few locals who were enjoying a pint as we chatted to the landlords. We were all made to feel very welcome and, although it was a bit unfair of me to just drop in unannounced, I managed to persuade them to pose quickly whilst I took a few photos. Once the pub is fully up and running no doubt there will be an official launch but if the door is open, why not do what I did, just pop in and say hello, its great to see another business opening up and your support would be very welcome.
One local, Vic Vicary, has spent many happy hours here during the 1960s when these early photos (above) were taken. Here he recounts a few memories for us.
“The photos are of 3 families from Kings Avenue, my family, the James family and the Pierce family. The landlords at that time were Frank and Alma Webb and every Saturday dinner and Sunday dinner times we would meet up for a pint or 2, play darts, cribbage and other card games, the pub closed at 2 o’clock. On the counter were complimentary peanuts for us to eat, the salt made you thirsty but a pint of beer then was about a shilling.
“The Bedford was well supported especially at the weekends by Kings Avenue and New Road families, it was our local. Friday night was darts league night when we played against many other pubs not only in Rye but other pubs like the Rose and Crown, Northiam, The Plough in Udimore, The Royal William in Camber, The William the Conqueror in Rye Harbour, The Royal Oak, Beckley and of course many local pubs in Rye.
“One year the Bedford won the Friday league and at presentation night a well-known film actor presented the winners with a dart trophy at Beckley Village Hall – the actor was Donald Houston.
“We had coach trips to London for dog race meetings and we also saw The Mousetrap in the early 60s as well as going to France (Boulogne) where I brought our wedding ring in 1967. All these coach and ferry trips were organised by us at the Bedford, never to happen again.
“In the football season, having a pint or 2 in the Bedford then going out onto the football grounds to play league football was the norm. Bonfire night was always very busy in the Bedford and at Christmas too.
“I remember one Christmas morning in 1970 we all gathered at the Bedford as usual, as there was a heavy fall of snow we all took our carpet slippers and at closing time we walked back over the snowy football pitches and home. Happy days and fond memories.”
The pub has hosted many events over the years and lots of live music as well as a being the rehearsal venue for our very own Ryebellion drummers, two of whom I met in there on my visit.
I’m sure The Cricketers will continue to be a popular Rye watering hole, congratulations to Georgia and Kev, we wish you every success with your new venture, cheers!
Stop press
The landlords have just announced that happy hour is from 4pm until 6pm, Monday to Friday when you can have a pint for only £3.50!
Image Credits: Nick Forman , Vic Vicarey .