The Cricketers Arms

Previously two farmworkers' cottages dating from the 16th century, this flintstone building was an alehouse for 200 years, until around 50 years ago Harveys of Lewes, Sussex's oldest brewery, bought it and turned it into a 'proper' pub. The Grade II listed building, in beautiful cottage gardens, is close to many popular walks - the South Downs Way runs along the crest of the chalk scarp between here and the sea. Three beamed, music-free rooms with stone floors and open fires are simply furnished with old pine furniture. A short menu of home-made food includes king prawns in chilli oil, and peppered mackerel with horseradish mayonnaise as starters. Their home-made burger is an ever-popular main course, as are ham, egg and chips; and fresh dressed crab salad. Nearby is Charleston Farmhouse, the country rendezvous of the Bloomsbury Group of writers, painters and intellectuals, and venue for an annual literary festival.