The Cat Inn

‘This is one of the best, if not the best-run inn we’ve ever stayed at.’ ‘Fabulous! Absolutely fabulous!’ We hear praise this year as warm as the welcome at this tile-hung, 16th-century village pub. Owner Andrew Russell held a management role at nearby Gravetye Manor, East Grinstead (see entry), and is ‘the most amazing host’. Bedrooms have a simple, cottage-cum-contemporary look, a coffee machine, fresh milk and Bramley toiletries. ‘We had a room overlooking the church, with every comfort.’ Logs burn merrily in a bar hung with pewter mugs, where Harvey, the spaniel, rules the roost (it may be called the Cat Inn but it is very dog-friendly). Walls are hung with carefully chosen modern paintings: ‘Andrew has a fine appreciation of art.’ You can order sandwiches and pub classics, or more adventurous, ‘absolutely delicious’ dishes from Alex Jacquemin’s menus, which use organic produce from The Cat’s own market garden, where chickens forage and fertilise. ‘Breakfasts were outstanding, with fresh strawberries and raspberries.’ (Simon Rodway, Embry Rucker)