East Sussex Restaurant Guide

2022 Review: They “recently extended the outdoor space and garden” at this imposing wattle-and-daub Elizabethan inn, built for the Keeper of the Privy Purse to Elizabeth I, no less. Together with a “new menu” of snacks and heartier grub it now makes a “great eating place” by all accounts.

2022 Review: At the heart of a picture-perfect village in the South Downs National Park which was beloved by Virginia Woolf in her day, this rambling brick and flint pub-with-rooms has a “great garden, or more like field” (!) offering views over the Sussex countryside. Inside offers an “intimate” and “romantic” backdrop to “modern and fresh” food of a “reliable” bent.

This “lovely, buzzing old pub” in the Sussex Weald has all the ingredients required for a “perfect country inn”: “a lovely old bar”, “great food from an interesting menu”, and “a brilliant garden that’s even more beautiful in the sun”. Piers Morgan grew up on site – but don’t worry, he’s long gone!

“Still the grand doyen of the Eastbourne eating scene”, this “delightful” and “slightly theatrical” traditional chamber inspires affection amongst everyone commenting on it, including its critics. There has been a concerted attempt in recent years to modernise the approach, which leads to some regrets – “there used to be a piano player in the old days, a touch which seems to have been dispensed with”. New (he’s been here three years) chef, Michael Sutherland “appears to be finding his feet” and a fair middle view is that “whilst in no way spectacular, the kitchen’s output is at least now consistent (an improvement to before)”. But “given the prices, there is substantial room, indeed need, for the kitchen to further improve”. Still, some diners report a “fantastic variety of dishes from the tasting menu, with lots of unusual aspects that make talking points with the serving staff”. Top Tip – No complaints at all about the hotel’s “gorgeous” and “good value” afternoon teas.

2021 Review: This “delightful pub with an excellent garden” on the edge of Ashdown Forest wins solid ratings for an inviting menu of locally sourced dishes. A family-run freehouse, it also has a strong list of local beers, wines and ciders.

2019 Review: “A favourite for a spot of lunch at the weekend” if you don’t mind the schlep, Bruce Wass’s off-the-beaten-track, humble-looking gastroboozer has notably “strong cooking” and “great service for a pub”.

A “family favourite” for its “lovely atmosphere and brasserie food” – and handily close to Tunbridge Wells station – this spin-off from the ever-expanding Ivy operation is well regarded by most reporters, but also suffers from the complaints commonly levelled against its Identikit siblings: most especially indifferent cooking that’s “poor value for money”.

“The food is always great, the room is lovely and the view unbeatable” at this “good brasserie-style restaurant” offering “great service and a cool vibe” in an Arts & Crafts house overlooking Happy Valley and popular as a wedding venue from the ‘I’ll Be Mother’ group.

2021 Review: “For a thoroughly enjoyable traditional afternoon tea (HdV certainly make an occasion of this British tradition)”, or “a very good full English”, this fine-looking mansion still wins praise. However, more serious dining from its French bistro menu, as supported by its trademark wine list, attracted too little commentary for a rating last year.

The “beautifully cooked and presented” meals from chef Patrick Hill are a good match for their smart setting in this Regency villa, named after the Victorian novelist who once called it home. A “good wine list at reasonable prices” and “excellent service” complete the offer, ensuring a “lovely time” for all who eat here.

“A great small restaurant with very creditable cooking and friendly engaged service”. Chef Adam Paice’s “good small menu focuses on well realised, straightforward food”.

“An enthusiasts’ wine list does full justice to the very much above average bistro food” at this “restaurant, wine bar and wine shop offering small and large plates accompanied by your selection from the 200 vintages”. “There's always a real buzz about the place and the owner's infectious sense of fun guarantees you have a great night out”. Beers and coffees are on hand if you don’t wish to partake of the grape.

“Great attention to detail is the hallmark of this Italian restaurant close to the seafront in Eastbourne”. Run by chef/patron, hospitality veteran Lorenzo Cinalli, it’s in a traditional mould and – according to a recent review from the Mail on Sunday’s Tom Parker Bowles “is one of those rare places that manages to combine the old school with the resolutely regional” including “spanking fresh turbot... up there with Scott’s, Wiltons or Bentley’s”.

This “brilliant country gastropub” (with rooms) offers a “wide range of modern-British style food” – with many dishes making reference to local provenance. “Views of Bodiam Castle” and the option of glamping in a 5-person teepee on the grounds add to the considerable appeal.