A Traditional English Restaurant and Tea Rooms in the Heart of East Sussex

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History

Scolfe's is a Grade II listed building that dates back to the fourteenth century. Originally a three bay Wealden Hall House, its structure comprises of a slightly unequal two bay Western terminal hall, with a service hall to the East. An upper floor was erected in the 17th century, and one of the bedrooms has facilities for lowering large objects through the window, known as a coffin drop.

Beneath what is now the restaurant area is a Norman style vault that holds the bricked up entrance to a tunnel, rumoured to lead to Herstmonceux castle. The name Scolfe's comes from a French family who owned the house during the 16th century; sadly little is known about them.

The property is now a privately owned house and restaurant, with oak beams throughout, some dating back to 1305. Many beams have small carvings on them, and in one area the name Hoppet, possibly one of the original builders, can be seen