Our Story
A Family Journey Rooted in Courage, Hard Work & Home
Every inn has a history, but The Three Cups carries something deeper, a family story stitched across continents, generations, and decades of quiet dedication.
Our chapter begins in Spain, where my father, Francisco Martinez, grew up in a family that had always worked in hospitality. Kitchens, guests, shared tables — these were part of everyday life. After the Spanish Civil War left few chances for a future, he made a brave decision: he left Spain and travelled to England, carrying nothing but his talent, hope, and determination.
He first worked in London, learning the rhythms of a new country, a new language, and a new life. In time, he relocated to Hampshire, and it was here — in the gentle heart of the English countryside — that he met my mother, Rosemary.
She was shy, beautiful, and quietly warm. He had passion, discipline, and fire. Together, they became a partnership built on simple, timeless values: work hard, be kind, and welcome everyone sincerely.
They married, and soon came four children — Vincent, Frankie, Angela, and me, Lucia. Our home was full and very busy.
Australia — A Leap of Faith
In 1970, my parents took a remarkable leap of courage and moved our entire family to Sydney under the £10 Pom scheme. Dad cooked in bustling kitchens. Mum looked after us with quiet strength.
Life wasn’t easy, but it was honest and full of heart.
After eight years abroad, their hearts pulled them back home to England.
And in 1978, they found The Three Cups Inn.
It felt less like a decision and more like fate.
Growing Up Inside The Cups
We didn’t grow up near the inn. We grew up inside it, four children finding our way in a 600-year-old building full of character.
My elder brothers, Vincent and Frankie, carved out their own paths in life and didn’t take part in the business.
But for Angela and me, The Cups was in our bones.
From a young age, we were helping wherever we were needed:
- stripping beds before school
- clearing tables afterward
- polishing cutlery until Dad nodded his approval
- learning to move through the inn as if it were part of us
- often working 40-hour weeks while still at school
Dad was the strict one — passionate and precise, carrying generations of hospitality behind him.
Mum was the calm within the storm — soft-spoken, gentle, and endlessly kind.
Those two energies shaped us completely.
Taking Over — The Quiet Turning Point
As we grew older, my brothers followed their own callings, and Angela, although hardworking, didn’t want to stay in the trade.
But I did.
Not because I had to — but because I couldn’t imagine not being here.
In 1990, at just 20 years old, I bought my parents out and stepped into the role that had been quietly waiting for me my whole life.
I wasn’t the eldest, the most experienced, or the most confident —
I was simply the one who loved this place enough to carry it forward.
And over the next 35 years, I have done my best to honour everything my parents taught us: to welcome people warmly, cook with care, listen, work hard, and keep this inn feeling like home.
The Heartbeat of The Cups — Our Locals
Through every season, every challenge, and every change, one constant has carried us: our local community.
Some have known me since I was a little girl carrying cutlery. Some knew my parents the day they arrived. Some have trusted us with their celebrations, sorrows, stories, and quiet everyday moments.
They are not customers; they are part of our family’s chapter in this long story.
The Three Cups Today
More than 600 years of history live within these beams. But the part that belongs to us — the chapter my family has written — is one of courage, hard work, family and the simple honour of welcoming others.
I am still here, still grateful, still learning, still hearing my father’s voice in the kitchen and my mother’s gentleness in every welcome.
When you step inside The Three Cups, you’re not just visiting a pub or an inn. You’re stepping into a living story. One, my parents began, my siblings shaped, and I am honoured to continue.
Welcome to The Three Cups Experience.
We are truly grateful you’re here.
