The Hatch Inn in Hartfield is a warm and welcoming spot for anyone after a proper rural outing – it’s run by Nicholas Drillsma and Sandy Barton, who’ve spent the last twenty‑odd years quietly winning hearts with food made from local produce and a wine list that even lets you try ten wines by the glass. The menu even changes each day to suit what guests feel like, so you’ll always find something freshly thought‑through. Being a converted row of cottages dating back to around 1430, it brings all the charm of old‑world buildings, tough to resist if you love places with character.
When the sun’s out, two large gardens with views over Ashdown Forest offer a relaxed place to grab a drink or bite . The setting pairs beautifully with the food, of course, but if you’re bringing a four‑legged friend along, you’re in for a treat – the pub is dog‑friendly, even offering things like doggy ice cream and “dog beer” so everyone gets a bit of fun.
On top of all that, The Hatch Inn has earned serious recognition – it’s popped up in The Good Pub Guide, AA’s best pub and pub‑food listings, Country Life, Time Out and even The Daily Telegraph’s Best of British Pubs. Throw in its spot in a handful of TV shows and adverts, from “Rough Treatment” to “Celebrity Wife Swap,” and you’ve got a place that’s both rooted in tradition and has a bit of screen history, too .
Visiting The Hatch Inn is about more than a meal – it’s stepping into a centuries‑old place that’s cared for and lively, where the food is thoughtfully sourced, the surroundings are relaxed, and everyone – even the dogs – gets to feel part of it.
Things To Do
After lunch or dinner at The Hatch, it’s easy to carry on exploring. A short stroll or drive takes you to the Ashdown Forest and its Visitor Centre, where you can wander its heathland and woodland or check out local crafts . Just a few minutes on foot brings you to Pooh Sticks Bridge – the real‑life spot that inspired AA Milne’s famous game. If you fancy gardens and a bit of grandeur, Wakehurst Place, with its sweeping ornamental grounds and seed bank, is only a short drive away . And for something a bit different, the Bluebell Railway offers a nostalgic steam‑train trip on a heritage line that’s perfect before or after a hearty meal.
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