The Star Alfriston

The Star has plenty to tempt walkers off the South Downs Way to make a pitstop - after all, the trail practically passes the front door. The ancient timbered inn in a postcard-perfect Sussex village has been in business since the 13th century, and was run by the monks of Battle Abbey as a 'Holy House' - the wooden sanctuary post that offered instant church protection is still in the bar today. Of course things haven't stood still: there are Victorian and 1960s additions, and the restaurant is in line for a makeover as we go to print. On the food front, the kitchen sources fine Sussex produce for its straightforward modern dishes. You might start with goats' cheese tart with red onion marmalade, then follow with Gressingham duck breast with creamed cabbage and bacon, and sauté potatoes, and wrap things up with orange pannacotta and poached apricots.