DISCOVERING GREAT SUSSEX COUNTRY PUBS
People of all ages are being enticed to escape to a Great Country Pub by Tourism South East, a membership-based organisation, with the launch of a brand new website – www.GreatCountryPubs.com – completely dedicated to the plethora of quintessential English inns located throughout East Sussex and West Sussex as well as Kent, Isle of Wight, Hampshire, Surrey, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire.
The traditional Sunday Roast; a pint of locally brewed ale; a warm welcome in from the cold and a table in front of a roaring log fire... The Great Country Pub has been an important part of British culture since Roman times and the South East has an abundance of these establishments extending a friendly welcome to visitors. Along with great local food, most have superb, high-quality accommodation housed in authentic character buildings set against a picturesque backdrop.
Once described by Samuel Pepys as “the heart of England”, the quintessential English pub offers a truly traditional experience in an ever-modernising world. Steeped in history, brimming with gastronomic delights and all with their own unique charm, the South East has options to suit every visitor, whether travelling with children, loved ones, or even man’s furry best friend!
With such a huge diversity of choice, visitors can discover a whole host of boltholes in stunning rural locations: from family-friendly pubs, to dog-friendly pubs; gastropubs and those which offer real ales; from establishments in idyllic settings to those with their roots planted firmly in history; and pubs with comfortable 3 and 4 star accommodation for visitors seeking a great retreat for a relaxing short break where scenic walks, cycling, horse rides, sailing trips – and more – can be enjoyed in abundance.
This week’s profiled pub is The Old Mill. Watch this space for more Sussex drinking spots!
The Old Mill, East Grinstead
If you love nostalgia and all that is authentically British, the charming white-weather boarded Old Mill is for you. As the name discloses, this rambling old place tracks its heritage to a 16th-century watermill, which is still in working order today and is a delightful reminder of yesteryear. Beautifully integrating the past with the present, there is a well-maintained heated patio with decking that straddles the mill stream, creating a lovely setting for dining outside. Inside you will uncover a wealth of solid oak beams and characteristic wooden flooring that preserves the Old Mill’s illustrious past. Two open fires warm customers on a winter’s night, and that coupled with heart-warming staff, a cosy and relaxed atmosphere always prevails. Food ranges from traditional pub favourites to modern gastro dishes, which will more than satisfy the palate of all who choose to eat here. The pub serves a great selection of well-renowned and award-winning Harvey’s cask ales as well as an extensive wine list.
The new website is at the centre of Tourism South East’s recently launched Great Country Pubs campaign, designed to raise the profile of this national institution. Just as pasta is synonymous with Italy or wine with France, the Great Country Pub holds a deeply-rooted identity with Britain and Tourism South East is on a mission to help locals and visitors alike get the most out of the wonderful pubs in the region.