Pett, East Sussex

Pett enjoys a unique position compared with other villages in the area, spreading itself for over a mile and half in a narrow strip along a high ridge.

To the east, the road leads from the village’s coastal twin, Pett Level, but up on a ridge Pett itself is a distinctly individual community all of its own.

Despite the noticeable lack of a village shop (strange for a relatively large community) Pett still has plenty of amenities that all play their part in making this a hub of communal activity.

Two pubs, The Two Sawyers and Royal Oak act as bookends to the west and east, and both can accommodate diners outdoors if the weather is favourable.

Next to each of these pubs are clues that Pett has an active social scene. Over the road from the Royal Oak is the recreation ground that hosts cricket, tennis and a popular bowls club. The pavilion was entirely refurbished in 2016 and is now a first class facility not just for players but spectators.

Head back along to the The Two Sawyers and across from the sizeable beer garden an impressive new village hall (part Lottery funded) joins the sports pavilion in serving as another ambitious, large-scale projects that emphasise the village’s commitment to community life.

Walking between these two landmarks you’ll come across TicToc, a charming independent tearoom which also has the distinction of being a hair salon. In the sun’s out then the delightful rear terrace is as nice a place to enjoy a cup and slice of cake as anywhere in the Hasting’s area.

Also towards the centre of the long strip of houses that make up the village you find St Mary & St Peter, a modest mid-nineteenth century building that replaced the original medieval church. In keeping with the village’s commitment to community projects, however, inside the main doors and to the rear of the nave are a large selection of books to buy or borrow.

Combined with signs during our visit advertising the Women’s Institute Spring Fair and you leave with your first impressions of Pett being an enterprising community very much cemented.