What is it the makes a visit to the Downs Hotel an invariably dispiriting experience? It has an unrivalled location facing across the eponymous South Downs to the Channel. But that's where the charm begins and ends. The food is ordinary, the ale is fine but nothing special, the staff are friendly enough but seem lacking in esprit de corps.
When Woodingdean was cut off from civilisation during the recent bad weather, the pub was amazingly transformed into what it should be a bustling local. As soon as people got the chance to vote with their feet, bus passes and car engines, it reverted to type as a tired looking boozer past its best.
Visitors report that the bedrooms could also benefit from some TLC. All-in-all the Downs is a missed opportunity. It would be a shame, though, to see it go the way of other failed pubs a victim of the smoking ban, cheap supermarket booze and, not least, owner inertia. read more