Empress Coaches & Carriage Masters

30/10/2026

Let’s go back in time to 1993…..

Coaches cover thousands of miles over time and many years ago, it was not uncommon for them to require engine re-builds at certain intervals.

We would do the initial work needed for an engine to be removed and it would then be collected by Coombs Motors, just around the corner from our depot, for them to strip and rebuild the Bedford power unit for us.

The photo shows our Bedford Plaxton with its 5.4 litre engine being carefully removed by Gordon Green of Coombs, where he would then drive the forklift truck back down the main road, laden with engine, through Warrior Square and back to their workshop to begin work.

Those were the days!

15/10/2026

As the sun rises over Hastings Old Town, October marks 960 years since the famous Battle of Hastings took place in 1066.

Interestingly, we also celebrate 100 years since the first official publication of AA Milne’s first book of stories about Winnie the Pooh. How about a trip to Ashdown forest to enjoy the autumn colours? 🍂

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07/09/2026

Our latest livery has just been applied to our 22 seat Mercedes Benz Unvi, now ready for you to hire for your autumn booking! 🍂

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22/08/2026

Our most local and shortest distance contract booking!

Back in the 1990’s we were operating a regular Friday early afternoon contract, collecting workers from the Sussman shirt factory in Parker Road, to drop them off in Hastings Town Centre.

Sussman’s were a large local employer on this site from the 1950’s up until the 1990’s.

Part of their business was manufacturing shirts for Marks & Spencer for their St Micheal brand.

At their height of production, Sussman was said to employ around 900 people….

14/08/2026

Planning on coming to Hop Fest but fancy a drink without the worry of driving?

Steve Empress Coaches & Carriage Masters has you covered (providing you’re heading to Rye 😊)

All day, from midday, Empress will be toing and froing back and forth to Rye train station.

And best of all, it’s entirely free, included in your Hop Fest ticket 🔥

Early bird tickets are only £6 until 31st August, available to buy here https://shop.beyonk.com/lg8bqssr/experiences/68l776bw

📅Hop Fest - Saturday 19th September 2026

06/08/2026

We recently took local Brownies up to Blackland Farm to enjoy the summer Olave camp taking place!

A great chance for a photo opportunity 😁

03/07/2026

29/06/2026

Looking back at last week’s exceptionally hot weather, reminded us like many, of the hot summer of 1976.

That particular year, Empress enjoyed the benefits of an endlessly glorious summer for day trips, evening drives and private hire bookings too.

Empress’s owner at the time, Tony Patten, was at Breeds Place coach stand with our 1973 41 seat Bedford SB Duple selling excursions. (Something you don’t see today!)

Who else remembers that hot summer?

18/06/2026

We recently visited Kilndown and stopped at the delightful Christ Church in the heart of the village. Built in 1841, it is considered to be one of the finest early Victorian churches in the country. Our modern 22 seat coach is seen outside ⛪️

08/06/2026

A super day out for Motorcycle enthusiasts at the Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum in the New Forest!

What an amazing collection, spanning decades of many different motorcycles.

If you have a group looking for a day out, why not give us a call to discuss ideas.

Let us take care of the travel and you enjoy the day 😁