With spring now in full swing, exploring the Sussex countryside for a refreshing walk followed by a traditional pub lunch or upscale country hotel meal makes for an ideal day out, reports Nick Mosley.
Horsted Place
Situated just to the south of Uckfield, Horsted Place stands as a magnificent Tudor revival residence and is considered a premier example of early Victorian design principles.
The property now operates as an upscale hotel and dining establishment, with Sheffield Park, the Bluebell Railway and Ashdown Forest all located nearby, providing visitors with ample attractions in the surrounding area.
Horsted Place offers its lunch menu from Monday through Saturday between 12.30 and 2pm, featuring two-course options at £21 and three-course selections at £25, with an appealing array of dishes available.
Standout menu items include buttered chicken livers served with new potatoes, quail egg and local tomato chutney; prawn bisque accompanied by poached seafood, croute and dill oil; and creamed mackerel with horseradish and brioche.
Horsted Place Hotel, Little Horsted, East Sussex TN22 5TS
01825 750 581 • www.horstedplace.co.uk
The Crabtree
This roadside establishment near Leonardslee Gardens has maintained an excellent culinary reputation for numerous years.
Similar to many pubs, especially those in rural settings, they operate weekly promotions to attract patrons and sustain business.
Their happy hour operates seven days a week from 5-7pm, featuring an attractive selection of deals such as two cocktails for £12, Bottega sparkling wine available at two for one, selected pints priced at £4.50, Guinness at £5.50, and a sharing platter comprising four bar menu items for £20, which includes notably delicious chicken, bacon and tarragon crooutines served with smoked leek mayo.
The Crabtree, Brighton Road, Lower Beeding, Horsham, West Sussex RH13 6PT
01403 892 666 • www.crabtreesussex.co.uk
The Eight Bells
With a Google rating of 4.6 out of 5 based on over 1,200 reviews, The Eight Bells has clearly established itself as a destination for excellent food and beverages.
From Monday through Friday at lunchtime, they present a set menu offering two starters, main courses and desserts, with pricing at £28 for two courses or £34 for three.
Starters feature roasted beetroot and apple soup or an early spring leaf and chard salad.
Main course selections include braised fennel and confit artichoke, smoked nduja mussels, or barr fillet with salad and sauce.
Dessert options consist of rhubarb and elderflower fool or cheese and crackers.
The Eight Bells, Jevington, East Sussex BN26 5QB
01323 484 442 • www.eightbellsjevington.com
The Black Rabbit
Special promotions continue through the end of May at The Black Rabbit, located north of Arundel.
Happy hour takes place from 5pm on Friday and Saturday evenings, with house wines including white, red or rosé available for just £15.
Fridays feature pizza specials at two for £20, while Wednesdays offer burger options with fries priced at £12.95.
An increasing trend among pubs now includes discounted Sunday roasts available during evening service, which represents a clever approach to reducing food waste while providing flexible dining options for customers at attractive prices.
The Black Rabbit offers these roasts at £12 from 5pm, though availability is limited as servings are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Black Rabbit, Mill Road, Offham, Arundel, West Sussex BN18 9PB
01903 882 638 • www.theblackrabbitarundel.co.uk