Battle of Britain

Rhodes Minnis in Kent is a small village with a big heart, boasting a pub that never opened, a cat sanctuary and a Sunday roast that people say is ‘absolutely amazing’

The charming hamlet of Rhodes Minnis offers far more than simply a name that might be confused with a Greek getaway destination.

The village is renowned for a Sunday roast that locals describe as “absolutely amazing”, alongside a pub that has never served a single pint or even welcomed customers through its doors, and an animal sanctuary named in honour of a Jack Russell called Lord Whisky.

With approximately 100 homes, Rhodes Minnis forms a close-knit community nestled within Kent‘s rural landscape, positioned near the coastline and Canterbury’s food scene, as well as the fashionable town of Folkestone. Beautiful walking routes encircle the area.

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A remarkably straight road cuts through the village in a way that would impress the Romans. Travelling from the south, up an incline that can prove challenging when meeting a lorry, visitors pass hedgerows, trees, stone walls, pristine lawns and residences.

The properties vary from white weatherboarded and flint structures to red brick, timber and contemporary designs. Numerous dwellings sit on elevated ground, providing stunning countryside vistas. At the hamlet’s ‘heart’, indicated by a straightforward crossroads, sits the building constructed as a pub but never used for its original function.

A classic red telephone box also features in the village, encircled by verdant fields and forest canopies. This is certainly a place where animal welfare is held in high esteem, with two sanctuaries that have collectively helped tens of thousands of animals over the years.

It’s impossible to talk about this village without mentioning the late Jack Russell, whose name adorns the much-loved and highly-rated The Lord Whisky Tea Rooms, as well as the sanctuary on the way to the neighbouring village, Stelling Minnis.

The black and white dog lived an impressively long life of 22 years, and his legacy continues through The Lord Whisky Sanctuary Fund. This registered charity provides vital support for abused or injured animals at the sanctuary and offers essential veterinary care for those with low incomes.

Whisky was part of the family of the sanctuary’s founder, Margaret Todd, from the age of four. It was the unique care that ‘Lord Whisky’ required that led Margaret to realise the need for a sanctuary.

The Lord Whisky Tea Rooms, situated in Gate Lane in Rhodes Minnis, comes highly recommended on Restaurant Guru 2024 and boasts a brilliant 4.5-star rating on Tripadvisor, with 77 reviews singing its praises. One recent review raves: “Incredible food and friendly staff, would highly recommend. Also popped by the sanctuary to see their animals and speak about their vets.”

A chuffed customer from last year shared: “We called in for some lunch on Sunday but once I’d smelt the roast I knew exactly what I was having. We had roast chicken with cauliflower cheese, roast potatoes, broccoli, carrots and Yorkshire pudding all served with a delicious gravy.”

“Oh my word, it was absolutely amazing. Reminded us of my mum’s legendary roasts. Apparently the cook is new. Never let her go. Thank you so much and all for a good cause too. Finally, the staff were so friendly too.” Just a stone’s throw away is the Rhodes Minnis Cat Sanctuary on Green Lane, founded in 1970 by Veronica Huthwaite who left her home to the trustees, reports the Express.

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A quick look at the photos reveals a perfect haven for cats, filled with plenty of space for lounging and play. The sanctuary offers shelter and care for unwanted and homeless cats and kittens from Kent, London, and occasionally further afield. Sadly, the sanctuary has seen an increase in difficulties when rehoming older cats, meaning many will stay at the sanctuary longer. To spread Christmas joy and support, the sanctuary will host a Christmas Fair at Hawkinge Community Centre on November 30, from 10am to 1pm.

Ever wondered about the origin of the name “Minnis”? It’s believed to have ancient roots, traditionally used to describe common land for grazing animals. For those captivated by the allure of Rhodes Minnis, nestled in the scenic Elham Valley and bordering the verdant Lyminge Forest, purchasing a property here might feel like a rare privilege, given the limited number of homes available on the market.

Rightmove’s sales data tells a compelling story: only one home was sold in the past year. This is a stark contrast to the five homes that changed hands in 2022 and four in 2021, resulting in an average sale price of £250,000 – heavily skewed by the single sale post-November 2023 of a charming yet renovation-ready two-bedroom detached cottage.

On a positive note, prospective buyers now have the opportunity to secure a home through Laing Bennett – a spacious four-bedroom family residence built in 1985, priced at £799,500, boasting extensive gardens at the front and back for enjoyment.

Rhodes Minnis was once home to its own local pub, The Prince of Wales Inn, situated on Longage Hill. Back in the vibrant 1920s, under the stewardship of a dedicated landlord, the pub was renowned for selling over two barrels of beer per week. Its exterior, a pleasing mix of red tiles against white paint, underwent several name changes, all revolving around the Prince of Wales theme. However, the pub’s fate took a turn when Prince Charles’ marriage ended; it adopted its final name, the Battle of Britain.

Sadly, as Royal ties unravelled, so did the pub’s fortunes, leading it to become a private residence. This transformation was documented by the renowned Dover Kent Archives, a treasure trove for pub history buffs. Another establishment, The Gate Inn, lost its licence in the mid-1990s and is now used by the aforementioned animal sanctuary as The Lord Whisky Centre, housing the tea rooms. It was once a Whitbread pub, proudly displaying a splendid pub sign of ‘the gate’ – a tribute to the old toll gate that once stood on the Mockbeggar to Lyminge road.

A property built with the intention of being a pub, but never actually opened as one, is now a private residence known as Flint Cottage. This striking building sits at the junction of Longage Hill and White Horse Lane, featuring six large windows at the front, a midnight blue front door, and a lattice fence and hedge.

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In 2021, the owner and other knowledgeable locals shared intriguing details about the property with the Dover Kent Archives. Built in 1898, it boasts a spacious cellar with barrel access and a Victorian posting box built into the garden wall, dating from the same year.

The reason it never opened as a pub is said to be due to a failed licence application, as it fell within the Lyminge parish, the same as the Prince of Wales, rather than the Elham parish as initially presumed. According to the website, there was a reluctance among Lyminge councillors to grant many pub licences.

Rhodes Minnis boasts a village hall, run by a dedicated group of trustees who organise two annual flower shows in the spring and summer. Plus, there’s Tree Light Yoga offering weekly classes every Monday.

Digging into the history books reveals that during the turbulent Swing Riots of 1830, a group of activists gathered on the commons at Rhodes Minnis. These riots were a key part of the wider rebellion by agricultural workers against the introduction of machinery and poor working conditions.

The study ‘Historical geographies of property, protest and the commons, 1500-1850’, penned by Briony McDonagh and Carl Griffin, suggests that such gatherings by the working class on common lands represented “a deliberate act of occupying something which was theirs, something not yet taken away”.

There’s also the charming “chapel in the fields”, a Methodist chapel built in 1888. It remains the only place of worship in the village, featuring a lovely red door and a welcoming lawn at the back. On sunny days, the congregation often prays outside, soaking up the stunning views of the Kentish landscape.

For those thinking about a trip, a quick look on Airbnb uncovers three fantastic accommodation options in Rhodes Minnis, with nightly rates ranging from £127 to £1,579. The most expensive option provides a luxurious, stylish, and spacious retreat worth considering for those looking for a touch of luxury.

This old RAF bunker once helped keep Britain’s radar network running during World War II – and is now a unique holiday home with incredible views of the Dorset coast

During the darkest days of the Battle of Britain, it would’ve seemed just a little unlikely that the concrete bunkers built to defend against the Luftwaffe would one day see cheery holidaymakers arrive with luggage in tow.

But few getaways offer quite the same experience as the Standby Generator Bunker in Ringstead, Dorset, a converted former World War II radar facility that’s now a unique holiday destination.

Built in 1941, this hidden gem once housed a large generator that was crucial to keeping the Chain Home radar network running if the power grid failed, forming one of six subterranean spaces on the former RAF Ringstead site.

Its job was to provide back-up power for a transmitter bunker located a short distance up the road, which sent out radio waves into the Channel that would bounce back to a receiver if an enemy aircraft was detected. This information was then relayed to RAF Fighter Command, who was given the all-important task of intercepting German bomber planes before they could reach Britain’s major towns and cities.

After victory over the Axis was assured in 1945, RAF Ringstead carried on as a Rotor station during the first years of the Cold War, to guard against the new Soviet threat. The generator bunker was eventually decommissioned in 1956, and stayed empty for almost seventy years, disappearing further into overgrowth as the decades passed by.

Now marvellously restored and repurposed as a luxury holiday let, this Grade II listed structure sprang back to life as a holiday cottage in late 2024, with its owners keen to retain original wartime features while furnishing it with all the luxuries desired by a 21st-century holidaymaker.

I arrived on a pleasant September afternoon to find the bunker in tiptop condition. What’s obvious straight away is just how well this once-functional space has been adapted to its new role as somewhere to truly unwind and ‘get away from it all’, with comfortable furniture and an island kitchen spread across the spacious open-plan front room, all facing towards the enormous window.

Three bedrooms are located over two floors, including one double room, with the property sleeping eight people in total.

On the walls are some wonderful bits of wartime ephemera, including a selection of British and American civilian posters directed at the civilian population, as well as photographs showing the Chain Home network and RAF aircraft in action.

And then there’s the sublime coastal view – framed in a blast-shaped opening from the concrete surround – of the English Channel, which stretches out effortlessly into the horizon as you peer through a row of trees at the bottom of the garden.

A spot of lunch or perhaps a glass of wine can be enjoyed out on the balcony, giving you the same perspective that was once keenly surveyed by the military, albeit with the task of national survival on their minds, rather than rest and relaxation.

On the first day of our stay, my other half and I ventured down to Ringstead Bay to make the most of a spot of bright autumn weather. We acquainted ourselves with the giant seaweed on the pebble beach as we walked to the charming town of Osmington Mills.

By the following day, a Met Office weather warning had been ushered in across the south of England, and we elected to do what any sane person would in such a situation – head to the pub.

We tucked into a hearty roast at the Smuggler’s Inn, a 13th-century pub around 20 minutes walk away. Our visit coincided with the Iron Man triathlon in nearby Weymouth, and ripples of applause bounced around the cosy interior as competitors reunited with their families for a well-earned pint following a mammoth 69-mile trek.

For the final day, Durdle Door was top of our to-see list, as it should be for anyone who finds themselves in this part of the country. This famous colossal limestone arch has been shaped over millions of years by the relentless force of the sea, and attracts visitors from all over the world with its postcard-perfect beauty.

A choppy sea on our visit meant a particularly spectacular display of the waves crashing up against the sides of the arch, delighting the gaggle of tourists who lined the beach, taking selfies.

We then took a short walk over to Lulworth Cove, a natural horseshoe bay surrounded by dramatic jagged cliffs and rolling hills. One particularly recent addition to this beauty spot has been the Weld Estate’s Saltwater Sauna, which since April has given visitors the opportunity to get themselves nice and steamy in a booth overlooking the beach, before dashing into the cool waters a few yards below.

A great natural high, I’m told, though admittedly I was more interested in the comfort offered by the sausage rolls sold by the harbour.

And that was my time in Dorset, spent enjoying just a small slice of what this handsome area has to offer, and lounging in accommodation quite unlike any other I’ve ever been to.

When the autumn weather does catch up with you, there is certainly something to be said for coming back to a bunker like this one, with its living roof, expansive views and intriguing backstory. There being such fine scenery quite literally on your doorstep, you really don’t have to be a history buff to get into what the Standby Generator Bunker has to offer – though I would say in my case, it certainly didn’t hurt.

Book it

The Standby Generator Bunker is available for bookings through Sykes Cottages, starting from £1001 for seven nights.