Is that a tea shop in Plaxtol? Had to Google it. Haven't been there, but have been to Plaxtol. Very nice rustic village. The route I take is normally southwards from Top of Exedown, thru ightham and Shipbourne, then turn right, heading for Ightham Mote and the cafe.
Keith
tea shop sharky? pah!
A wondrous pub I used to take folks to when I lead loads of rides - first time I took folks there it appeared in the dip out of the mist.
Famously grumpy but essentially nice landlord - I well remember his response to someone who dared ask for a cup of tea. He could also be sharp with anyone who dared add their food order to their beer - strict demarcation in force - he handled the beer and his wife the food. Food very keenly priced and good basic cycling fare - beer, well really the 7 per cent plus rawish cider, great. Two or three pints of that just what you needed for the onward climb. Every time I took folk there I told them to enjoy it for I feared it would close under 21st century economics and get turned into a house - I fear this eventually happened.
If not, get there soon - but if the landlord doesn't zap out and tell you not to lean your bikes against his pub wall it will have changed anyway.
Oh - and no water bottle refills - you were pointed at water pouring out of the nearby hillside.
I swear this was this century.
another memory - i seem to remember nattering to someone I met once about this place - he said a crowd of his had got complained at for drinking all the beer - they may even have been banned.
