History of The Old Mill
Our historic pub
The Old Mill is a Grade II listed building which dates back to the early 19th century. Our country pub takes its name from the nearby Kennington Mill, little of which now remains - although the pub has previously been known as The Golden Ball.
Around the time our authentic Kennington pub came to fruition, there was still an annual influx of hop pickers from the East End of London, with whom the Old Mill was very popular. It’s clear that a great place to stop and enjoy a drink or a bite to eat is a timeless thing!
Sporting background
Did you know that the Old Mill boasted its own goal running club? Goal running is essentially an organised version of the game ‘tag’, and was a sport peculiar to East Kent and the Weald.
It became popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when almost every town and village in the region had a team. Despite its sometimes complex rules, the game was a firm favourite in Kent - with rumours of games happening right up to the 1970s!