Alice the Inn Lady

Amongst the various spirits that call The Buddle Inn home, none is more gentle or personable than Alice, the phantom inn lady who continues to tend to customers long after her earthly duties have ended. Unlike the dramatic appearances of the Fireplace Smuggler, Alice makes her presence known through subtle but unmistakable physical interactions that have become a cherished part of the inn’s supernatural folklore.

Alice’s story unfolds not through visual manifestations but through the countless gentle encounters reported by customers who find themselves alone at the bar. Her presence is felt rather than seen, creating an intimate and surprisingly comforting connection between the living and the dead that has touched visitors for generations.

The Gentle Touch

Alice’s manifestations are characteristically subtle and considerate, reflecting what may have been her nature in life. Customers standing at the bar often report feeling someone brush against them - a light, fleeting touch that might initially be attributed to another patron passing by. However, these encounters typically occur when the individual is quite alone at the bar, with no other customers or staff members in the immediate vicinity.

The sensations are described as gentle and purposeful rather than accidental. Some visitors report feeling a soft bump, as if someone is politely trying to get past them to reach the bar area. Others describe a light brushing sensation against their arm or shoulder, similar to what might happen when a busy barmaid squeezes past to serve other customers. The touch is never aggressive or frightening; instead, it carries an oddly reassuring quality that suggests Alice means no harm and may simply be continuing her work from beyond the grave.

Patterns of Manifestation

Alice’s appearances follow certain patterns that have been observed by staff and regular customers over the years. She seems most active during quiet periods when customers are standing alone at the bar, perhaps waiting for service or simply enjoying a solitary drink. These encounters typically occur in the evening hours when the inn’s atmosphere becomes more intimate, with the warm glow of fires and candlelight creating the perfect ambiance for supernatural activity.

Staff members have noted that Alice’s manifestations often coincide with particularly busy periods in the inn’s history, as if she appears to lend a helping hand when the establishment is bustling with activity. This suggests that Alice may have been someone who took great pride in ensuring customers were well looked after, a dedication that appears to transcend death itself.

Historical Context

While the exact identity of Alice remains a mystery, her behaviour suggests she was likely a barmaid, landlady, or inn worker during the Victorian era when The Buddle Inn was establishing itself as a popular local establishment. During this period, inns were often family-run businesses where women played crucial roles in ensuring customer satisfaction and maintaining the warm, welcoming atmosphere that kept patrons returning.

The Victorian era coincided with The Buddle Inn’s evolution from a smugglers’ hideout to a respectable establishment serving both locals and the increasing number of tourists visiting the Isle of Wight. Alice may have been instrumental in this transformation, working tirelessly to create the kind of hospitable environment that would attract legitimate customers and help the inn develop its reputation as a welcoming destination.

Customer Experiences

The consistency of reports about Alice’s gentle interactions has created a remarkable collection of similar experiences spanning many years. Customers often describe initially feeling confused by the physical sensation, looking around to see who might have brushed against them, only to find themselves completely alone at the bar. The realisation that they may have encountered Alice often brings a smile rather than fear, as her presence feels benevolent and caring.

Some visitors have reported feeling Alice’s presence multiple times during a single visit, as if she is particularly drawn to certain individuals or simply enjoying the company of the living. Regular customers sometimes joke about “getting Alice’s attention,” and staff members often ask first-time visitors if they’ve “met Alice yet,” incorporating her into the inn’s welcoming atmosphere.

A Continuing Presence

Alice’s manifestations appear to be ongoing, with new reports continuing to add to her legend. Unlike some spirits who seem to fade over time, Alice’s presence remains as strong as ever, suggesting that her connection to The Buddle Inn and its customers runs particularly deep. Her gentle interactions serve as a bridge between the inn’s past and present, reminding visitors that the building’s history includes not just dramatic tales of smuggling and adventure, but also the quieter stories of dedicated people who made the establishment what it is today.

The presence of Alice adds a uniquely personal dimension to The Buddle Inn’s supernatural reputation. While other spirits may represent the inn’s dramatic history, Alice embodies the caring hospitality that has always been at the heart of the establishment’s character. Her gentle touches serve as reminders that even in death, some souls continue to watch over the places and people they loved in life, ensuring that the warmth and welcome of The Buddle Inn extends beyond the physical realm into something far more enduring and meaningful.