Hooe

Hooe in East Sussex Village Guide

About Hooe in East Sussex

Netherfield is a linear village, that is to say it doesn’t have a discernible centre, and a linear village of some extremes – a small population spread out for over a mile along a high ridge.

Sometimes this can result in a place not having an obvious hub and therefore no heart, but that is not the case with this community.

Towards the west of the strip of properties that line the hilltop are the post office and shop, with an adjoining cafe which automatically creates a nucleus to the village. It could be argued that a cup of coffee, slice of cake and chat are as vital amenities to a community as the shop and post office combined, and this cafe – warmly and imaginatively painted on the outside with a warm and friendly welcome inside – serves a valuable purpose.

To the far east of the village stands St John the Baptist church, a relatively new building in comparison to other churches in the area, built in 1860 as a gift from Lady Webster to her husband Sir Godfrey.

The Websters were famed for a long line of eccentrics and Sir Godfrey was no exception, spending much of his life in the Brazilian jungle. Lady Webster’s gift of the church also showed her to be free spirited as she threw in an additional school house which still stands proudly next to the church – although hasn’t been used for education since the 1960’s.

However the school bell on the roof cannot help but charm, or – we suppose – bring on panic and alarm depending on your memories of school!

Between the church and cafe are the playing fields and village hall. A newspaper cutting in the notices window tells us that the hall recently had a free facelift due to the generosity of local builders – namely Westoaks General Builders and Decorators – saving the hall’s committee an estimated £2,500. If that doesn’t prove that this community up on the ridge has a thriving community spirit that what can?

Since the Netherfield Arms was converted from pub to residential property the only pub serving the village is the White Hart. Residents and visitors cannot be too downhearted though, because this is an excellent pub and hotel with a reputation for dining.

Sometimes an emphasis on food can take away from the feeling of a local’s pub where people stand around talking over a pint, but the owners have thought of this and a separate bar room to the front perfectly serves those who don’t wish to eat.

The hotel upstairs has four boutique rooms and the staff will go out of their way to personalise your visit. Rose petals on the bed, perhaps? Not a problem at the White Hart.

The pubs greatest asset is the south facing patio and glass-fronted outside dining area with wonderful views down to the valley and all the way to Bexhill and the sea over seven miles away.

Add to this fine food and accommodation, can there be a better destination for lunch, or a more significant celebration, in the entire area?

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Rosemary Cottage
Rosemary Cottage

Situated in 1066 country in a rural location. Rosemary Cottage is set on the edge of Hooe Village near Battle … more

Listed in: Bed and Breakfast

Message Board

Hooe Pronunciation?

Hi, I am recording an audiobook here in Los angeles, and the name of “Hooe” appears? How do you pronounce … more

Les and Cis Clifton

Hi, I am the eldest grand daughter of Les and Cis Clifton and have such fond memories of my time … more

Attractions and Activities

St Leonards Gardens

St Leonards Gardens is a beautiful public park located in St Leonards-on-Sea. It is a picturesque and well-maintained green space that offers a tranquil retreat for both locals and visitors. The gardens span approximately 4.5 acres and is situated near … more

Bexhill Coronation Bandstand

The Bexhill Coronation Bandstand holds a significant place in history and culture. Beyond its transformation into a multi-purpose space in 2023, it has played a role in the town’s social life and events over the years. Originally commissioned by the … more

De La Warr Pavilion

The first public Modernist building to be opened in the UK in 1935, this Grade 1 listed, internationally renowned icon re-opened after a £9m lottery funded restoration and redevelopment. It is now the South East region’s most significant centre for … more

Accommodation

Rosemary Cottage

Situated in 1066 country in a rural location. Rosemary Cottage is set on the edge of Hooe Village near Battle (6 miles), Bexhill(4 miles) and Eastbourne (8 miles). There are castles, vineyards, beaches, walks, bird watching, children’s amusement parks, golf, … more

60 Galley Hill View

Offering a garden and sea view, 60 Galley Hill View is set in Bexhill, 2.

Restaurants

De La Warr Pavilion

The first public Modernist building to be opened in the UK in 1935, this Grade 1 listed, internationally renowned icon re-opened after a £9m lottery funded restoration and redevelopment. It is now the South East region’s most significant centre for … more

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