Sunday Lunch in Sussex

Very nice country restaurant with views over the Sussex countryside. Inside the restaurant is decorated in contemporary whites and greens, mixed with aged painted wooden furniture and an exposed stone wall.  A relaxed atmosphere prevails and unusually the restaurant is open for breakfast (from 10am), lunch, afternoon tea and dinner.  In the warmer months afternoon tea is served in the pretty garden.  At lunchtime choose from a light lunch of sandwiches or something more substantial from the full menu.  Sunday lunch menus usually offer four different roast lunches.

A very nice 16th century country pub located in a beautiful village opposite the 15th century village church, and popular with walkers.  The Cat Inn is everything you would like a local to be, with wood panelled walls, a large inglenook fireplace, wooden beams, cosy bar area and plenty of seating in different coves off the bar. The open plan eating area is located at the back of the pub and serves good quality food, with traditional Sunday lunches.  The restaurant, with its large floor to ceiling windows leads out to a  terrace with modern wooden furniture and parasols, where people can eat or drink.  There are also four rooms offering accommodation. Children under 8 are not allowed in the pub but are very welcome in the beer garden.

The Welldiggers is a proper pub, rustic, no frills but with lots of character.  A small locals pub housed in a building that dates back 300 years, with carpet that might possibly not have been changed in all that time and mis-matching wooden furniture.  Although locals gather for a pint in the small standing area around the bar, this is primarily a food pub and what fabulous food they serve.  No gastro pub but instead a rugged building with low beamed ceilings and memorabilia on the walls.  The landlord has been at the pub for over 50 years and is a large personality, greeting visitors to the pub.  The bar manager appears serious in manner but you quickly realise what a good professional women she is and you really warm to her but you wouldn’t argue with her!  This is a great pub offering fantastic food, character and good service, but if you are eating make sure you book.

Jeremy’s at Borde Hill is located at the entrance to the glorious Borde Hill Estate.  This elegant yet relaxing restaurant is a converted stable block with the approach via a cobbled courtyard.  Awarded an AA Rosette, the restaurant is both light and airy, serving modern European cuisine.  During the summer months enjoy dinner alfresco on the terrace overlooking the Victorian walled garden.  Alternatively, enjoy a traditional Sunday lunch all year round.

The Relais & Chateaux listed Amberley Castle is a 4-star luxury hotel dating back 900 years, offering 19 luxurious rooms and suites. The beautiful grounds of the Castle offer peaceful walks amongst the formal gardens, lake and sweeping lawns.  For the more energetic there is a tennis court, croquet lawn and an 18-hole professional putting course. The Queen’s Room Restaurant offers formal dining in a barrel-vaulted ceiling room dating back to the 12th century.