Good looking pub, friendly staff and decent food.
It is never a great start when you have cycled 60km and are starving to find a sign outside that says "Experienced chef wanted". I was concerned and was asking if there was any other place to go. However our stomachs were growling so we decided to stick it out praying that the current chef had enough experience to stir up a tasty lunch.
I was quite pleased by what I say inside. The bar area is a bit small but there were two working fireplaces at the two ends of the pub. There was an area more conducive for dining and an area with stools more for drinks and an exceptionally nice beer garden which could have done better if the hedge and the car park was not in the way blocking a spectacular outdoor view. The lighting inside on the miserable Saturday was good being calm and warming. The pub was very clean and the toilets did not reek at all. The staff had paid attention and were clearly doing a good job.
We ordered standard pub meals. Mine being a fish and chips with others either choosing gammon and eggs or a burger. My fish and chips were a bit overdone and I felt that the hard edges were still being digested when we got to Brighton at night. The fish should ideally have been flaky and not become mush when I cut into it. Also I would have preferred an option for mushy peas. However there was nothing off about the food though I understand why an experienced chef is wanted.
There were the standard ales and drinks you would expect from any pub. What this pub has, apart from the great location, is a decent setup. If the chef could maybe become a bit more creative I think this place would be unbeatable. I will come again when cycling to Brighton. read more