The Cat Inn

‘Fabulous as ever’, this 16th-century, timber-frame and tile-clad pub-with-rooms has everything you could look for in a village local and makes a good base for exploring the South Downs National Park. Trusted readers stay regularly, and continue to rave about it. We hear high praise of ‘great host’ Andrew Russell and his ‘friendly and efficient’ staff. Within, you find oak beams, inglenooks, real ales and quirky contemporary art. Bedroom style is a mix of contemporary and country chic, each with a coffee machine, leaf tea, fresh milk and smart toiletries. One split-level suite has a dining area. ‘We stayed in bedroom 3 overlooking the church. Simply but well appointed.’ ‘Our dog was made most welcome.’ Food is served in the dining room and cosy corners, or on the terrace. ‘The menu would do justice to a fine-dining restaurant, with seasonal asparagus, Shetland mussels, stone bass alongside steak, mushroom and ale pie’, ‘superb beer-battered fish and chips’. ‘Breakfasts are heroic; muesli, fresh fruit and yogurt followed by a freshly cooked full English.’ 'All that a gastropub should be.' ‘We have already booked to return.’ (Stuart Byfield, David Phillips, SR, CS, IW, and others)