The Royal Oak

Tucked away on a quiet country lane between the A272 and B2116 near Henfield, this part-tiled, black-and-white timbered cottage is a classic ale house, a true rural survivor that has been serving the locals for 300 years. Dating from the 14th century, it has head-cracking low beams, a huge inglenook with warming winter fire, brick and stone-flagged floors, rustic furnishings and time-honoured pub games. Harvey's and Dark Star ales are drawn straight from the drum and home-cooked pub food ranges from ploughman's boards to hearty Sussex beef, stout and mushroom pie with new potatoes and baby carrots. Extensive gardens for summer alfresco drinking.