The Royal Oak

'We really enjoyed our few days,' says a visitor to this listed Georgian flint-stone inn in an attractive village near the South Downs, just north of Chichester. 'All the staff were helpful: twice, when we came back after the theatre when dinner was over, they were happy to give us a snack (a lavish cheeseboard).' The owner is Charles Ullmann, his manager is Karen Wright. The bedrooms, in a converted barn and cottage, combine old features (inglenook fireplace, beams, flagstones) with contemporary furniture, modern comforts ('excellent bathroom with under-floor heating and strong shower') and 'nice touches': flowers, flat-screen TV, CD/DVD-player, discs and films. 'Very comfortable bed.' Some rooms are 'small, with a small bathroom'. The chef, Simon Haynes, serves a modern menu which might include red onion and goat's cheese tarte Tatin with pesto; seared fillet of sea bass with Selsey crab. One guest thought that though 'staff were enthusiastic, there seemed to be a lack of hands-on management'. Breakfast has 'plenty of fresh fruit'; 'cooked dishes well up to standard'. Children are warmly welcomed (cots, high chairs provided). Alfresco meals are served on the front terrace, which has country views; a small garden is at the side. (Sara Price, Richard Creed, and others)