This traditional pub is the perfect pitstop when walking the dog around the South Downs, but once you step inside you’ll want to make a weekend of it. You couldn’t ask for a better location, the pub is just five miles outside of Lewes in the pretty bosky village of East Chiltington and a 30 minute drive from Brighton.

Strap up those boots, there’s an array of walks on the doorstep from 5k circular trails to full on hikes. You can rest weary legs, and  four legged friends, at The Jolly Sportsman, it is dog friendly after all. But you’ve been warned, once you’ve sunk into your seat with a drink in hand, you’ll be booking a room there almost immediately.

Having made it into the Michelin and Good Food guides and nabbing a AA Rosette, it should come as no surprise that pub’s menu is impressive. The ethos here is fine cooking not fine dining, it’s taste over pretence. The chef doesn’t stop at local and seasonal produce – it’s got too be sustainable too. Fish is fresh from the Sussex Coast and the meat from farms within a 20 mile radius. They pull of a roast with aplomb and serve a kids version as well as veggie and vegan options. Bread is baked daily and the pub even has their own pasty chef. Sacré bleu.

Considering that the pub is surrounded by vineyards (Artelium and Court Garden are walking distance) it makes sense that the wine list makes for pleasurable reading and even better tasting!  There are plenty of local Sussex bitters on offer as well. During warmer climes, you can enjoy a drink in the outside bar and admire the views. Come winter you’ll be cosy by the log fire and a glass of of red with the pooch snoozing by your feet. Every third Thursday of the month, the pub hosts a monthly wine club ehe you can try six wines pair with nibbles. Delicious.

During low season (Oct-Mar) you can take advantage of a set room rate of £110 – excluding Christmas – and the rest of the year, Muddy Readers can take advantage of 10% off (quote ‘Jollymuddy.’)