The Jolly Sportsman

You’ll be delighted to walk into the wood-burner warmed space after a long walk in the local woods or on the Downs: you can sup a pint of Harvey’s, brewed in Lewes and fresh from the barrel, or choose something delicious from the busy wine list while you decide what to eat. They source as much as possible within a 20-mile radius, with a daily delivery of fresh fish from the coast and meat from local butchers and farms. Bread is home-baked and the pastry chef makes wonderful desserts.

Choose to eat in the bar at a pine scrubbed table, more elegantly in the dining room, in the conservatory or outside on the terrace or garden where walkers with dogs are very welcome. In summer there are barbecues out here – children can run freely. Bedrooms are up an outdoor staircase – pleasant, quiet and uncluttered, all with views over Downs or meadows and with home-baked biscuits and Nespresso machines.

Wake to hearty hiker’s breakfasts.