Sussex


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="600" src="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/04/Untitled-design-2022-04-05T133411.656-min.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-57465" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/04/Untitled-design-2022-04-05T133411.656-min.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/04/Untitled-design-2022-04-05T133411.656-min-800x480.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/04/Untitled-design-2022-04-05T133411.656-min-768x461.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/04/Untitled-design-2022-04-05T133411.656-min-875x525.jpg 875w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Sometimes you arrive at a pub and you just know it’s going to be brilliant. Muddy first reviewed <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="The Royal Oak (opens in a new tab)" href="https://royaloakmidhurst.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Royal Oak</a> during lockdown, when new owner Frankie had bravely taken up the reins and instantly adapted to the new challenges of hospitality. Thankfully their innovative posh pub grub drive-thru was a huge hit and the pub survived the turbulent time. And thank goodness they did as it’s a real gem!  Fast forward to Spring &#8217;22 and with signs of new hope and a impressive display of tulips outside we were excited to find out what they offer now.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">LOCATION</h2>



<p>The creds are ample before you set foot inside – 17th century pub, nestled in the South Downs national park with brilliant countryside walks nearby and plenty of local options to stay over. It’s a pretty pub, in the tranquil village of West Lavington just outside of Midhurst and is a mere 15 minutes from glorious Goodwood.</p>



<p><strong>THE VIBE</strong></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="800" src="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/04/Untitled-design-2022-04-05T150639.783-min.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-57466" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/04/Untitled-design-2022-04-05T150639.783-min.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/04/Untitled-design-2022-04-05T150639.783-min-800x640.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/04/Untitled-design-2022-04-05T150639.783-min-768x614.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/04/Untitled-design-2022-04-05T150639.783-min-656x525.jpg 656w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Inside is warm and stylish with a mix of beautiful wood flooring and exposed brickwork, loads of cosy seated areas with antique chairs, cushions and cool accessories. There’s a fab beer garden out front which hosts a cool space with it’s own bar and music lounge vibes. It’s perfect for private functions and is popular for wedding parties.  There’s also a smart private dining room (below), for a more special occasions or bookable as a remote workspace. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="800" src="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/04/Untitled-design-2022-04-05T150619.816-min.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-57471" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/04/Untitled-design-2022-04-05T150619.816-min.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/04/Untitled-design-2022-04-05T150619.816-min-800x640.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/04/Untitled-design-2022-04-05T150619.816-min-768x614.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/04/Untitled-design-2022-04-05T150619.816-min-656x525.jpg 656w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The outdoor stretch tent (below), set in the pretty garden makes a brilliant space – cosy enough for Spring showers and in sunny weather has sliding doors that open onto the beer garden. </p>



<p>The pub is popular with locals, walkers and riders (wheels and hoof variety!), but also attracts people who come just for the food. We noted  yummy mummies having a good natter too, so its very child friendly whilst still maintaining a sophisticated feel. And that’s what this pub does well – it balances it&#8217;s village pub necessity, while also being a destination for foodies..  </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="600" src="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/04/Untitled-design-2022-04-05T133236.550-min-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-57472" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/04/Untitled-design-2022-04-05T133236.550-min-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/04/Untitled-design-2022-04-05T133236.550-min-1-800x480.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/04/Untitled-design-2022-04-05T133236.550-min-1-768x461.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/04/Untitled-design-2022-04-05T133236.550-min-1-875x525.jpg 875w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">SCOFF AND QUAFF</h2>



<p>The food here is seriously good, and I don’t say that lightly.  The menu is both high-end and well curated &#8211; choose from from favourites like fish &amp; chips and steaks to pan-fried hake and Persian lamb shawarma with seasonal ingredients sourced locally where possible.</p>



<p>We kicked off with assiette antipasti with fennel salami, roasted garlic and rosemary focaccia, plus  we noticed plenty of delicious looking options catering for vegan and gluten free. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="600" src="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/04/Untitled-design-2022-04-05T133327.928-min.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-57468" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/04/Untitled-design-2022-04-05T133327.928-min.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/04/Untitled-design-2022-04-05T133327.928-min-800x480.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/04/Untitled-design-2022-04-05T133327.928-min-768x461.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/04/Untitled-design-2022-04-05T133327.928-min-875x525.jpg 875w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Feeling like it was a posh fish Friday kind of day, I opted for the pan-fried hake fillet, mussels, Parmenter potatoes, samphire &amp; leeks in a curried velouté and was really impressed. My date chose the chicken Milanese with creamed spinach &amp; wild garlic butter topped with a fried egg – always popular apparently! </p>



<p>To drink we opted for a cheeky white wine spritzer (well it was Friday), and coffee instead of dessert  &#8211; but had we had room would have opted for the appetising caramelised lemon tart or vegan chocolate mousse with fresh raspberries and honeycomb which looked right up my strasse.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="800" src="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/04/Untitled-design-2022-04-05T134016.078-min.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-57469" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/04/Untitled-design-2022-04-05T134016.078-min.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/04/Untitled-design-2022-04-05T134016.078-min-800x640.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/04/Untitled-design-2022-04-05T134016.078-min-768x614.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/04/Untitled-design-2022-04-05T134016.078-min-656x525.jpg 656w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">PILLOW TALK</h2>



<p>It’s not a pub with rooms, so if you are looking to make a weekend of it and enjoy this pub there’s a good choice nearby including the infamous Spread Eagle hotel, <a href="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/culture/reviews/cottage-self-catering-cowdray-estate-midhurst/">Cowdray Estate</a> which has self catering options and Park House Hotel. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="600" src="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/04/Untitled-design-2022-04-05T133136.084-min.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-57470" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/04/Untitled-design-2022-04-05T133136.084-min.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/04/Untitled-design-2022-04-05T133136.084-min-800x480.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/04/Untitled-design-2022-04-05T133136.084-min-768x461.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/04/Untitled-design-2022-04-05T133136.084-min-875x525.jpg 875w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">OUT &amp; ABOUT</h2>



<p>Cowdray Estate is just over 5 minutes away, teaming with options for making the most of a day of country pursuits or  if you fancy wine-tasting Tinwood Estate Vineyard is just under 20 minutes drive. The town of Midhurst town itself is teaming with quirky and traditional traders for retail therapy including our personal favourite <a href="https://www.madeleineskitchen.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Madeleine's Deli, (opens in a new tab)">Madeleine&#8217;s Deli,</a> if you want to take home some local food delicacies. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



<p><strong>Good for:&nbsp;</strong>Couples looking for a chintz -free date night on a weekend escape in this idyllic area.  Great for Sunday lunch (or any lunch!) and walkers &#8211; it&#8217;s dog friendly too. </p>



<p><strong>Not for:</strong>&nbsp;It’s a country pub tucked away in the countryside with great walks nearby, so if you’re looking for something more formal, though I’d go elsewhere.</p>



<p><strong>The damage:</strong>&nbsp;Mid range. Starters and shared plates £6-18; mains £13-26 and desserts around £7.</p>



<p><strong><a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="The&nbsp;Royal Oak (opens in a new tab)" href="https://royaloakmidhurst.co.uk/" target="_blank">The&nbsp;Royal Oak</a>, Oaklands Lane,&nbsp;Midhurst,&nbsp;West Sussex, GU29 0EP </strong> Tel:&nbsp;01730 817478</p>


Review: The Royal Oak, Midhurst

You may also like