Our Story

About Us

I’m Dan, and with my fiance Simone, and our newly put together front of house and kitchen teams, we’ve been improving the interior character of the pub, whilst keeping its beautiful traditional feel everywhere possible.

Newly renovated and fully replaced ladies’ and gentlemen’s toilets, numerous carpets, uncovered floors, odd shaped doors and an overwhelming amount of kitchen equipment, chefs!

We’ve put this effort in because we fully believe in the ‘local pub’, rewarding locals’ support and loyalty, whilst enticing new drinkers and diners with well priced, excellent pub food.

We believe The Old Vine can stand the test of time and hope very much to look after it for the next 30 years - see you all soon.

Meet Your Landlords

A white building with a sign that reads 'Old Vaupe' and three vintage outdoor lamps. There are green plants in the foreground, and a large tree with purple and red leaves to the right. The sky is clear and blue.

Dan and Simone, along with their French Bulldog Jessie, are your friendly local landlords.

Dan has been managing pubs in Kent for many years, and is proud to now take on the mantle of landlord of the Old Vine and be a part of the valued Cousley Wood community.

We hope to meet you (and your furry friends) soon!

Heritage

The Old Vine is one of the most beloved and historic public houses in the area.

Believed to have been on this site since 1515, this treasured building has been home to families, coachhouse and stables, and local businesses including butchers, florists and the local Post Office. As the village pub, it’s been the heart of the community for nearly 200 years.

Its storied history can be seen in beautiful original features from the Tudor period through to the present day, including original timbers and floors, and our roaring inglenook fireplace.

Come and experience the rich history and hearty welcome for yourself!

A black and white photograph of a historic house labeled 'The Old Vine Inn, Cousley Wood - 1910.' The house has a steeply pitched roof, multiple chimneys, and a mix of wooden and brick exterior. There is a wooden picket fence surrounding the house, w
Historical black-and-white photograph of a village street with houses, fences, and people outside, including a girl sitting on a bench and a horse-drawn carriage.
A sepia-toned photograph of a house in Sussex with a fence, trees, and a few people standing near the fence. There are bicycles and a cart in the yard, and a street sign on the right. The photo is dated 1921.
A black and white photograph of a rural village scene with a dirt road curving through grassy fields, white picket fences, and several houses with chimney stacks, including a building with a sign for a butchery. There are trees in the background, and
A black and white photograph of a street scene in 1956, with a sign that reads 'Flowers, The Old Vine,' a large house on the right, trees, power lines, and a small distance view of other buildings and landscape.
A historical black and white photograph capturing a community gathering on a street, with people on horseback, children, and adults, some wearing hats. There are houses and trees in the background, and a signboard is visible. It appears to be an outd
Black and white photograph of a fox hunting scene with riders on horseback and numerous hounds on a rural street, with houses and trees in the background.
A black-and-white photo of the Cousley Wood Post Office at The Old Vine Public House, Wadhurst, February 1988, showing a small brick building with a tiled roof, a sign that reads 'Post Office', a bench under a window, potted plants, and trees around
A woman standing outside the Gt. Missley Wood Post Office building with a brick exterior and a tiled roof, holding onto a stone wall. The building has signs that say "Gt. Missley Wood Post Office" and "Post Office." There are trees in the background

Renovations

While the Old Vine is steeped in history, we’ve recently completed careful renovations to ensure the pub is as welcoming today as it has always been. Our goal was to preserve the character and charm that make the Old Vine unique, while refreshing the spaces where friends and families gather.

Original features have been lovingly restored, from exposed beams to parquet floors, keeping the spirit of the pub alive. At the same time, we’ve updated our dining areas, bathrooms, garden spaces, and bar to create a brighter, more comfortable setting for every occasion.

The result is a pub that blends heritage with modern comfort - somewhere you can relax, celebrate, and feel right at home.

Interior of a building under renovation, with torn up floor and scattered broken tiles near an open door leading outside to a parking lot and greenery.
The image shows a partially removed raised section of brick flooring, revealing the subfloor underneath, in an indoor space with a mix of brick and herringbone-patterned flooring.
Red brick floor in a renovation spot near a white door, with tools and construction materials around.
A person sitting on a partially rolled-up purple carpet in a damaged room with peeling and torn purple carpet and debris on the floor. The room has exposed beams and brick walls with multiple windows.
A woman with short blonde hair, glasses, and a leopard print shirt is pulling up a purple carpet while smiling in a room with white walls and a door.
a room under renovation with torn wallpaper, exposed drywall, and scattered debris on the floor, with a window showing green trees outside
A room with peeling purple carpet, exposing hardwood floor underneath. Debris and torn carpet pieces scattered on the floor. Part of a brick fireplace on the right. To the left, there is a small wooden table, a chair, and an orange bag hanging on th
Dishwater damage to a wooden floor, with a section of purple carpet rolled back, revealing a damaged subfloor and debris. Nearby, a cluttered table holds bottles, spray cans, and tools, indicating renovation or cleanup work.
Room with a hardwood floor, partially torn up, revealing subfloor underneath. There is a wooden bench, a table with chairs, and various items on the table near large windows with greenery outside.
Wooden floor being refinished with tools and supplies scattered around.