According to local tradition the older part of the present day Wheatsheaf was formerly a hunting lodge owned by Henry V. The structure of the timbers and the wonderful crown post, revealed during renovations in 1996 certainly indicate the building dates from the latter part of the 14th century.
The first mention of a tavern was in 18th century deeds where reference was made to its barns and outbuildings. More than a century later it became a smithy and in 1865 it was again converted into a licensed house, under the name of The Anscombe Beer Shop. It was re-named the Wheatsheaf in 1896 but remained licensed only for beer until 1963, when it took over the spirit license formerly held by the nearby chequers Tavern, now the head offices of Honeygrove Properties.

The exterior of The Wheatsheaf is notable for its prominent gables and large Tudor chimneys and fireplaces. The building has a brick structure which is supported by a wooden frame consisting of the original timbers. An interesting feature is its wooden porch, which is shaped like a lychgate.
Inside, an exposed section of the original wattle and daub (mud & straw ) wall above the fireplaces bears the date 1607.

Along side is scrawled the signature of a whimsical local squire Foxy Holamby.The interior is decorated with many interesting artefacts.

The jawbone of a man eating shark, mounted and decorated by the shipmates of his victims, lots of horns and stuffed heads appropriate for a building once used as a hunting lodge.

Although it is doubtful whether leopards, monkeys, or bison were ever shot in the ancient forests of Hever. A collection of interesting and unusual musical instruments are hung about the walls along with matapee, a Guyana utensil for making cassava bread thought to be one of the only two remaining examples in the country.

QUIZ NIGHT

THE LAST TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH
TEAMS OF FOUR-£5 PER TEAM
RETURNED IN
CASH AND SPOT PRIZES

The Wheatsheaf at Bough Beech is renowned for its good food and its warm welcome from the friendly staff. We look forward to seeing you at The Wheatsheaf soon.
THE WHEATSHEAF HAS BEEN A MAIN ENTRY IN THE GOOD PUB GUIDE SINCE IT WAS FIRST PUBLISHED IN 1982. ONE OF ONLY 66 OUT OF 70,000 PUBS IN THE U.K. TO ACHIEVE 25 YEARS.

Liz and David have owned the Wheatsheaf at Bough Beech for thirteen years and The Leicester Arms in Penshurst, a small hotel four miles from the Wheatsheaf, for five years. Accomodation is available, with four poster beds, half testors and twin and single rooms. The Leicester Arms has a comfortable bar which is open all day and evening for eating and drinking and a large sixty seat restaurant with delightful view, serving food every lunchtime and evening, or for functions, larger dinners and weddings. There is also a smaller wood panelled dining room and bar ideal for private dining, meetings or smaller parties.