Situated just a few minutes’ drive from Gatwick – but surprisingly remote – The Old House is actually a fairly new hostelry-with-rooms fashioned from the remains of a 16th-century farm worker’s cottage. Latticed windows, wonky ceilings, cosy nooks and oak beams tell their own story, while retro accessories, comfy banquettes and chunky leather armchairs add something extra to the place. The menu mixes pub staples and restaurant-style dishes with ideas gleaned from the world larder – so expect anything from small plates of Korean-glazed chicken wings, scallop ceviche or pickled mackerel with sourdough to big helpings of beer-battered fish and chips, burgers or baked sea bream with fennel, sweet onion compote and sauce vierge. Likewise, comforting puds range from treacle tart to carrot cake with cream cheese frosting. Real ales, international wines and family-style Sunday lunches complete the picture.