The Bottle House Inn

Down a country lane is the historic, weatherboarded Bottle House, and a handsome sight it is. Built as a farmhouse in 1492, it wasn't until 1806 that it was granted a licence to sell ales and ciders, later diversifying to function as a shop, farrier's and cobbler's too. Major refurbishment in 1938 unearthed hundreds of old bottles, the reason, of course, for its unusual name. Later improvements, all tastefully executed, include ancient oak beams sandblasted back to their natural colour, brickwork exposed and walls painted in pleasingly neutral shades. At the copper-topped bar counter choose between Harveys of Lewes and Chiddingstone-brewed Larkins hand-pumped beers, or a wine from one of the 11 served by the glass, then settle at a bench seat on the patio or in the garden. The menus change regularly to capitalise on the availability of seasonal produce, while the specials board is never the same from one day to the next. Light bites might include baked whole Camembert with Rusbridge artisan bread and house chutney; and chilli con carne and rice topped with sour cream and cheese. Starters are equally appealing - chicken liver and cranberry pâté with toasted brioche; or pan-fried scallops with pea purée, black pudding and red pepper coulis, for instance. Among the dozen or so main course options to choose from are chicken breast wrapped in bacon, stuffed with mozzarella and basil, and served with dauphinoise potato, fine beans and spicy tomato sauce; Bottle House burger with smoked Cheddar and house chutney; and oven-roasted skate wing with lime and coriander butter. Among the homemade desserts, you're likely to find mango and passion fruit cheesecake with fruit coulis; and cappuccino crème brûlée with crushed amaretti brittle. On Sundays, in addition to the carte, three different roast meats are served.