At the heart of the South Downs National Park, this village pub with rooms is the rural sister of the seaside Crab & Lobster, Sidlesham (see entry). It is country but no bumpkin. Our inspectors gave it the thumbs up for both its 'delicious food' and rooms. The latter are in a single-storey stable block across a lane behind the pub, away from any road noise. Their room was 'comfortable and easy' with a super-king bed, a fridge with bottled water and milk. The decor is a mix of rusticity and contemporary comfort. A room with a sleigh bed has a wall of timber planks, an antique chest of drawers, leather tub chair and small settle. Food is 'really well cooked, with excellent ingredients'. There are pub classics, done very well, as well as dishes such as crab gratin, seared calves liver, and Thai green prawns with monkfish curry. Or choose from a range of lighter salads and sandwiches, including a fish-finger sourdough. A 'first-class breakfast' ticks all the boxes, with freshly squeezed orange juice, smashed avocado, a full English and barista-style coffee.