‘From the warm greeting on arrival to the friendly farewell, we had a thoroughly enjoyable stay.’ More plaudits in 2019 for Andrew Russell’s tile-hung, 16th-century pub-with-rooms in a Wealden village close to Gravetye Manor, East Grinstead (see entry), where he cut his teeth. The popular locals bar has blazing log fires, low beams hung with pewter mugs. Upstairs, ‘Room 1 was large and comfortable, with a charming view over the church, underfloor heating in the bathroom.’ All have fresh milk, an espresso machine. In bar and restaurant, Alex Jacquemin’s cooking is ‘varied and delicious’, from pub classics (Trenchmore Farm burger, beer-battered fish and chips), to roasted hake fillet, Apache potato, purple sprouting broccoli, caper and seaweed butter; duck breast, parsnip, mushrooms, rainbow chard, red wine sauce. It is served by ‘knowledgeable and helpful’ staff. Breakfasts are ‘stylish – pottery dishes of yogurt, fruits and cereal on each table; home-made bread, and everything, including cooked dishes, as one hopes’. It’s quality fuel for a day walking the High Weald or Ashdown Forest. ‘A great spot from which to explore.’ (Embry Rucker, Joan MacLean, and others)