Sussex

We have eaten at the Dorset Arms many times, the food is incredible and the staff always so friendly, would definitely recommend it.

By far our favourite pub, well worth the 40min drive, an excuse to introduce friends who do not know it. Lord D &#8211; you are an excellent innkeeper!

<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-29009" src="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/09/IMG_5955.jpg" alt="" width="1000" height="750" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/09/IMG_5955.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/09/IMG_5955-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/09/IMG_5955-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/09/IMG_5955-667x500.jpg 667w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" />
This large East Sussex pub near the Ashdown Forest dates back to the 18th century and has a great choice of nooks, both inside and out where you can choose to settle in for a great lunch or dinner.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-29037" src="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/09/Dorset_Arms-1025.jpeg" alt="" width="1000" height="667" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/09/Dorset_Arms-1025.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/09/Dorset_Arms-1025-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/09/Dorset_Arms-1025-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/09/Dorset_Arms-1025-720x480.jpeg 720w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" />
Among them is a garden room with a clever Wimbledon-style retractable roof and sun shades. Perfect for inbetweeny weather, or for stopping arguments on whether to sit in the pub or alfresco.
<div id="attachment_29018" style="width: 1010px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-29018" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-29018 size-full" src="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/09/garden-room-Dorset-Arms-IMG_5970.jpg" alt="" width="1000" height="750" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/09/garden-room-Dorset-Arms-IMG_5970.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/09/garden-room-Dorset-Arms-IMG_5970-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/09/garden-room-Dorset-Arms-IMG_5970-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/09/garden-room-Dorset-Arms-IMG_5970-667x500.jpg 667w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" />Garden Room</div>
The Dorset Arms is part of the historic Buckhurst Estate so carnivorous foodies will be in their element. Organically-reared meat and game from the Estate appear on the pub menu, including a Buckhurst Bar Steak. Roasts are offered on Sundays, of course, and the wider menu includes fish, oysters and Sussex cheeses.
<div id="attachment_29062" style="width: 1010px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-29062" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-29062 size-full" src="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/09/IMG_5958.jpg" alt="" width="1000" height="750" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/09/IMG_5958.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/09/IMG_5958-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/09/IMG_5958-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/09/IMG_5958-667x500.jpg 667w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" />Part of the garden</div>
Not being a red meat eater, when I had lunch at the pub recently I went for double fish &#8211; light fishcakes with an excellent zingy horseradish sauce, followed by a perfect lemon sole with shrimp and samphire with french fries on the side.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-29020" src="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/09/Fish-cakes-Dorset-Arms-IMG_5982.jpg" alt="" width="1000" height="750" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/09/Fish-cakes-Dorset-Arms-IMG_5982.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/09/Fish-cakes-Dorset-Arms-IMG_5982-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/09/Fish-cakes-Dorset-Arms-IMG_5982-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/09/Fish-cakes-Dorset-Arms-IMG_5982-667x500.jpg 667w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" />
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-29013" src="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/09/Lemon-Sole-Dorset-Arms-IMG_5988.jpg" alt="" width="1000" height="750" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/09/Lemon-Sole-Dorset-Arms-IMG_5988.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/09/Lemon-Sole-Dorset-Arms-IMG_5988-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/09/Lemon-Sole-Dorset-Arms-IMG_5988-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/09/Lemon-Sole-Dorset-Arms-IMG_5988-667x500.jpg 667w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" />
I also snapped some of my table mates&#8217; choices to give you more of an idea.
<div id="attachment_29114" style="width: 1010px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-29114" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-29114 size-full" src="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/09/Pigeon-breast-starter-Dorset-Arms-IMG_5985-1.jpg" alt="" width="1000" height="750" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/09/Pigeon-breast-starter-Dorset-Arms-IMG_5985-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/09/Pigeon-breast-starter-Dorset-Arms-IMG_5985-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/09/Pigeon-breast-starter-Dorset-Arms-IMG_5985-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/09/Pigeon-breast-starter-Dorset-Arms-IMG_5985-1-667x500.jpg 667w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" />Starter of pigeon breast with sherry cream, smoked bacon and peas</div>
<div id="attachment_29015" style="width: 1010px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-29015" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-29015 size-full" src="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/09/Prawn-Cocktial-Dorset-Arms-IMG_5983.jpg" alt="" width="1000" height="750" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/09/Prawn-Cocktial-Dorset-Arms-IMG_5983.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/09/Prawn-Cocktial-Dorset-Arms-IMG_5983-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/09/Prawn-Cocktial-Dorset-Arms-IMG_5983-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/09/Prawn-Cocktial-Dorset-Arms-IMG_5983-667x500.jpg 667w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" />Classic prawn cocktail</div>
<div id="attachment_29023" style="width: 1010px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-29023" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-29023 size-full" src="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/09/Burger-solo-IMG_5989.jpg" alt="" width="1000" height="750" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/09/Burger-solo-IMG_5989.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/09/Burger-solo-IMG_5989-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/09/Burger-solo-IMG_5989-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/09/Burger-solo-IMG_5989-667x500.jpg 667w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" />Buckhurst Estate burger</div>
Puddings veered from comfort food &#8211; mmm check out this crumble!
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-29034" src="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/09/crumble-with-spoon-IMG_5994.jpg" alt="" width="1000" height="750" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/09/crumble-with-spoon-IMG_5994.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/09/crumble-with-spoon-IMG_5994-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/09/crumble-with-spoon-IMG_5994-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/09/crumble-with-spoon-IMG_5994-667x500.jpg 667w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" />
&#8230;to a trio desserts &#8211; chocolate mousse, lemon posset and creme brulee &#8211; handy for the indecisive, or for sharing, as I did.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-29012" src="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/09/Trio-of-deserts-IMG_5998.jpg" alt="" width="1000" height="750" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/09/Trio-of-deserts-IMG_5998.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/09/Trio-of-deserts-IMG_5998-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/09/Trio-of-deserts-IMG_5998-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/09/Trio-of-deserts-IMG_5998-667x500.jpg 667w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" />
&#8216;100 Acre Wood&#8217; from the Winnie the Pooh stories actually sits within Buckhurst Estate. Owner Lord de la Warr dropped into the pub while I was there and told me how his dad used to play with Christopher Robin &#8211; and, yes, his toy bear &#8211; in those very woods.
A keen foodie, Lord de la Warr is behind the sausages on the menu &#8211; made to a type he fondly remembered from his childhood that he asked a local butcher to recreate (so popular they&#8217;re now stocked by Waitrose).
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-29040" src="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/09/table-Dorset-Arms-B5FF496B-F405-4523-8443-AF44D01544A9.jpeg" alt="" width="1000" height="945" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/09/table-Dorset-Arms-B5FF496B-F405-4523-8443-AF44D01544A9.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/09/table-Dorset-Arms-B5FF496B-F405-4523-8443-AF44D01544A9-300x284.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/09/table-Dorset-Arms-B5FF496B-F405-4523-8443-AF44D01544A9-768x726.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/09/table-Dorset-Arms-B5FF496B-F405-4523-8443-AF44D01544A9-529x500.jpeg 529w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" />
Though the decor and un-stuffy atmosphere of the Dorset Arms is definitely one of a pub, there are elements of fine dining even beyond the quality food, with monogrammed plates and waistcoated serving staff. It&#8217;s certainly a place you could choose for a special occasion.
<a href="https://www.dorset-arms.co.uk/our-menu/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Christmas</a> (eek!) menus for parties and the day itself are out now, featuring turkey, venison and more, so take a look and get planning.
Staying over
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-29010" src="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/09/cottage-Dorset-Arms-IMG_5976.jpg" alt="" width="1000" height="750" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/09/cottage-Dorset-Arms-IMG_5976.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/09/cottage-Dorset-Arms-IMG_5976-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/09/cottage-Dorset-Arms-IMG_5976-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/09/cottage-Dorset-Arms-IMG_5976-667x500.jpg 667w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" />
I asked for a nose around the pretty cottage (a former school room) behind the pub while I was there, which features six recently refurbished ensuite bedrooms with nice touches like robes and Nespresso machines.
One room has an adjoining lounge and the cottage can be rented as a whole if you bag it early.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-29024" src="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/09/Cottage-IMG_6009.jpg" alt="" width="1000" height="750" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/09/Cottage-IMG_6009.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/09/Cottage-IMG_6009-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/09/Cottage-IMG_6009-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/09/Cottage-IMG_6009-667x500.jpg 667w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" />
In the area
AA Milne&#8217;s home village of Hartfield is just up the road.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-29046" src="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/09/IMG_5949.jpg" alt="" width="1000" height="750" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/09/IMG_5949.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/09/IMG_5949-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/09/IMG_5949-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/09/IMG_5949-667x500.jpg 667w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" />
Here you can drop into <a href="http://www.pooh-country.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Pooh Corner</a> &#8211; a gift shop and tea rooms selling all the souvenirs you&#8217;d expect, and pick up a map to local places mentioned in the stories. A cute sticker passport lets you tick off where you have been. You can also get written directions to the Poohsticks bridge, about 15 minutes out of the village &#8211; and instructions on how to play, in case you&#8217;d forgotten (as if!)
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-29058" src="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/09/IMG_6553.jpg" alt="" width="1000" height="750" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/09/IMG_6553.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/09/IMG_6553-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/09/IMG_6553-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/09/IMG_6553-667x500.jpg 667w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" />
<a href="https://www.groombridgeplace.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Groombridge Place</a> is also nearby, which has elaborate gardens, the UK&#8217;s longest tree top walkway and usually plenty on for children, especially in the school holidays.
THE MUDDY VERDICT
Good for: Meat lovers. A good choice of indoor, outdoor or even half-and-half dining spots. Working a great lunch into some touristy day trips, or walks in the area. A special occasion get together, relaxed enough to include children. A date in one of the cosy corners. The option of making a weekend of it with a country cottage break.
Not so good for for: There are veggie choices on the menu but with meat the star vegetarians are unlikely to make a beeline here. Wifi is patchy in the area.
The damage: Mains range from £11 for the Buckhurst sausage and mash, to £27.50 for whole roast grouse with game chips and bread sauce, or £29.50 for half a lobster, but most hover round the reasonable £12 &#8211; £16 mark. Lunch and early evening menus are great value with two courses for £16.50, or three for £21.
Rooms in the cottage start from £85/£90 for a twin/double midweek.
The Dorset Arms, Buckhurst Park, Withyham, Hartfield, TN7 4BD, 01892 770278, <a href="https://www.dorset-arms.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">dorset-arms.co.uk</a>

Dorset Arms, Withyham

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