Sussex


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/5-5-1000x667.jpg" alt="country pub with rooms" class="wp-image-72564" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/5-5-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/5-5-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/5-5-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/5-5.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-lowdown"><strong>THE LOWDOWN</strong></h2>



<p>Hidden between the hills of the South Downs in the village of East Chiltington hides chic country pub, <a href="https://www.thejollysportsman.com/">The Jolly Sportsman</a>. It’s a welcome alternative to the antique shopping of Lewes- just 5 miles away and the bright lights of Brighton &#8211; which is a 30 minute drive away. As you pull up, or rather walk up, like so many do (it’s surrounded by footpaths) the facade gives off the proper country pub vibe &#8211; exposed brick, beams, warm service and Sussex wines and bitters at the bar. On the chalkboard are all of the events on offer from live music to garden parties as well as a reminder of the four rooms above the pub which Muddy was to about to check into. The food ensured the pub has made it into both the Michelin and Good Food guides but its also got a AA Rosette. Impressive. But before we tucked in, it was straight to the garden to sit in the sun and admire the pub’s garden bar which they’re pretty proud of and justifiably so.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/3-8-1000x667.jpg" alt="country pub with rooms" class="wp-image-72565" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/3-8-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/3-8-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/3-8-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/3-8.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-vibe"><strong>THE VIBE</strong></h2>



<p>‘Would you like to join the wine tasting?’ Has to be a rhetorical question when posed to Muddy. It was a no brainer that we’d join in, (more on the specifics of that later), but was a welcome surprise that the locals who frequent the event every Thursday evening were so inviting. While the pub is loved by locals, what’s different at this country pub with rooms, is that regulars love meeting new patrons and actively want you to enjoy the pub as much as they do. Cute.<br><br>Muddy opted for a mid week stay, and we lucked out with the sunshine, setting up camp in the garden under a parasol &#8211; there’s plenty of shade for little ones and dogs and you can choose to sit at the wooden tables and chairs or relax on a bench admiring the view. The inside bar opens out into a large dining room and then onto the garden room where breakfast is served, for Muddy it was in the sunshine, but with views out onto the garden, even in the rain we can imagine it’s still beautiful. </p>



<p>On the room side of things, given the location, it’s hardly surprising that there’s an energy of people passing through &#8211; each with their own story to share, but the stress seems to lift here and everyone seems happy. Everything about this pub feels social, from the terrace by the bedrooms for a quick ‘hello’ to the chattiness of the staff. This pub is a social space. Pretty much how they used to be before smart phones took over. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/11-2-1000x667.jpg" alt="country pub with rooms" class="wp-image-72566" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/11-2-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/11-2-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/11-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/11-2.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scoff-and-quaff"><strong>SCOFF AND QUAFF</strong></h2>



<p>Long gone are the days of stuffy wine tastings with a sommelier spitting out a Sancerre, the last few Muddy has taken part in have been low key unpretentious and just fun. The Jolly Sportsman’s offering was exactly that. Our host, wine seller, Zara, pulled up with seven spectacular wines and a devilish sense of humour the entire group loved. It was an open forum laughing, discussing, sharing and tasting.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/7-2-1000x667.jpg" alt="country pub with rooms" class="wp-image-72570" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/7-2-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/7-2-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/7-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/7-2.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The selection included Armenian, Lebanese, Georgian, Greek, Turkish and Macedonian wines the latter of which prompted a hilarious somewhat tipsy discussion about the land locked country. As well as there being a Chardonnay which got a unanimous thumbs up, even from Muddy who can only usually bear the stuff when it’s in champagne. &nbsp;</p>



<p>A considerate touch from the pub is that the wines we were trying under the title of ‘Off the beaten track’ were listed on our own menu and best of all, they were served with delicious snacks including arancini and home-made bread. It was quite possibly, the best wine tasting Muddy has done in all of her years drinking the grape based stuff. Thanks to the camaraderie of the group, choice of wines and lovely host.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/8-3-1000x667.jpg" alt="country pub with rooms" class="wp-image-72573" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/8-3-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/8-3-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/8-3-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/8-3.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>After all that wine is was off to the garden to enjoy dinner. Muddy and her plus one were in a sharing kind of mood so we opted for a few plates starting with stone bass crude, elderflower, blood orange and basil. This was the perfect balance of flavours and was our favourite dish.</p>



<p>It was a hot day and so we wanted something lighter, we tried the baby squid with local pak choi, asparagus and line chilli. Again delicious, the asparagus was sharp and salty &#8211; just how we wanted it. We tried the heritage tomato tarte tatin with olive oil mascapone and shallots to hit the veggie spot and tucked into the chicken wings with jalapeño, a perfect sharing option.<br><br>The wine list is impressive so we were hard pushed to decide but settled for a carafe of Blanc de Blanc which saw us through to our cheese board which we took our time with as the sun set and our new friends from the wine event joined us and we shared stories until late. It’s exactly what these pubs feel made for.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/9-2-1000x667.jpg" alt="country pub with rooms" class="wp-image-72574" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/9-2-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/9-2-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/9-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/9-2.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>There’s a Muddy Boots menu better suited for casual dining and casual prices with sandwiches, a ploughman’s, pie and all the things you’d want after a days walking. It’s a pub for everyone whether you want a quick bite to eat or to stretch out a dinner. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/10-3-1000x667.jpg" alt="country pub with rooms" class="wp-image-72575" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/10-3-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/10-3-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/10-3-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/10-3.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Muddy has no idea how she managed to make room for breakfast, but she did, she always does. I forgot to order the night before &#8211; I filled out the form but forgot to bring it downstairs, but it didn’t appear to be an issue. I went for eggs Benedict which was as lovely as the view from the garden room. I almost didn’t want to leave, so took my time to enjoy a coffee in the sunshine and soak it all up. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stay">STAY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/1-9-1000x667.jpg" alt="country pub with rooms" class="wp-image-72579" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/1-9-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/1-9-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/1-9-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/1-9.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>There are four spacious rooms above the pub each with impressive views, I love opening up the blinds in the morning and admiring the view from the field opposite. Made even more beautiful thanks to the gorgeous night sleep I had cocooned in Egyptian cotton sheets and a a King sized bed (which all rooms have).<br><br>Some rooms have sofa beds so if you’ve the kids with you or another adult there’s plenty of room to retire after a few glasses of wine. They’re all dog friendly with lots of light, space and thoughtful little touches that really elevate a stay like this. Actually, it’s the small details that make all the difference, from the dressing gowns (not always a given in a pub with rooms), chocolates by the bedside, a soap gift and cold water in the fridge, still and sparkling and elderflower cordial too. Bonus.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/2-12-1000x667.jpg" alt="country pub with rooms" class="wp-image-72581" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/2-12-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/2-12-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/2-12-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/2-12.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>If you can ever figure out how to work a hotel room Nespresso machine &#8211; for some reason I never can &#8211; there’s one in the rooms at this pub as well as chunky white towels that feel like a hug in the mornings after a powerful and hot shower. But what I loved most was waking up to the birds chirping.&nbsp;The views are impressive, which I certainly admired from the terrace by the entrance with a bench where I saw a fellow guest take her morning coffee and I did have a little envy that I hadn’t thought of that first. I felt very well rested and peaceful, I plan to come back with girl friends for a weekend of walking and gossiping.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-out-and-about"><strong>OUT AND ABOUT</strong></h2>



<p>The Jolly Sportsman is the perfect point to start a walk be it a circular 5km or an all-day hike, you’ll want to explore. Head to Lewes for antique shopping and to check out<strong> </strong><a href="https://sussexpast.co.uk/attraction/anne-of-cleves-house/">Anne of Cleves</a>’ former residence. You can admire more fierce women from history at <a href="https://www.charleston.org.uk/">Charleston</a> a former retreat for artists (and some debauchery) including Vanessa Bell and Virginia Woolf. Wait, there’s more literary geniuses to admire, Virginia Woolf’s 17th century country retreat, <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/monks-house">Monk’s House</a> is close by and now under the care of The National Trust.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/4-6-1000x667.jpg" alt="country pub with rooms" class="wp-image-72586" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/4-6-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/4-6-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/4-6-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/4-6.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict"><strong>THE MUDDY VERDICT</strong></h2>



<p><strong>Good for:</strong> Weekend walkers, girlie breaks, family adventures and anyone after great food, amazing wine and a relaxed place to stay.</p>



<p><strong>Not for: </strong>Anyone after five-star luxury and fine dining. This is a British country pub with comfy rooms and great food.</p>



<p><em><a href="https://www.thejollysportsman.com/">The Jolly Sportsman</a>, Chapel Lane East Chiltington, Lewes BN7 3BA</em></p>


Country pub with rooms! Muddy reviews The Jolly Sportsman, near Lewes

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