Sussex Pub Guide
This is my personal choice with good beer and a welcoming
atmosphere being the main criteria. If the juke-box and
fruit machine are missing, so much the better. But,
good food and a pleasant summer garden don't go amiss.
However - things change frequently in the licensed trade - this weeks quiet
country pub is next weeks Leprechaun Karaoke Nitespot. The information
here is only is good as my last visit. Not all pubs take advantage of
"all day" opening. I suggest that if you are travelling a long distance
or are visiting outside core pub hours you should phone the pub
concerned and check things out. I'd welcome all
feedback .
BRIGHTON
- The Basketmakers Arms, Gloucester Road
Gales pub on the eastern edge of the North Laines area. Very busy, but alway plenty of staff and no
service problems. Unpretentious, good value pub-type food makes it popular lunchtime venue. Finding
a seat can sometimes be difficult. Usual Gales range of beers.
- The New Kensington, Kensington Street, North Laines
Bit of a strange place this. Very friendly pub. Sort of studenty/alternative lifestyle clientele. Vegetarian/
vegan menu. Frequent music. Only one real ale, changes constantly. I like it, however I can
believe that the less tolerant among us will not.
HORLEY
- Coppingham Arms, Balcombe Road
Ind Coope pub on southern outskirts of the town. Cosy
atmosphere. Food lunchtimes and evenings, Sunday roast lunch.
Car park and garden to rear. Bed and breakfast. Quiz on last Thursday
of each month.
HORSHAM
- Foresters Arms, Comptons Lane
Small, friendly freehouse. Beer currently from Shepherd Neame.
Bar billiards. No food (snacks Sat lunchtime). No car park.
MANNINGS HEATH
- The Dun Horse
On the A281 Brighton Road about 2 miles south of Horsham. Run by a
German couple with Herr Landlord very active on the kitchen. The menu
is very ambitious for a pub and changes at least weekly although you
couldn't describe it as cheap. Flowers OB, K&B Sussex, Directors, Bass
on handpump at last visit (5/98).
RUSPER
- The Star
In the centre of the village. Car park to side. Interesting
layout with several small, linked rooms. Open fire. Whitbread
beers. Food menu presented as a newspaper. Dogs welcome (they
have their own) if you ask first.
SHARPETHORNE
- The Vinols Cross
Free house set on the main Turners Hill - Forest Row road. Four
or five real ales. Separate dining area. Car park to rear but
no garden. Not as prententious as its better-known near-neighbour "The
Cat" in West Hoathly and all the better for it.
STAPLEFIELD
- Jolly Tanners
Free house right opposite the village cricket green. Very large garden
with separate childrens play area. Nice food. Friendly. Busy.
TURNERS HILL
- The Red Lion
Small, no frills Harvey's house in village centre. On a side street
north of the crossroads (fork left at the general store).
Popular with locals, can be very busy, often packed. Garden at rear.
No car park.