The Eight Bells is a historic country pub, situated just outside of the South Downs in the charming village of Jevington. Here it has stood for hundreds of years as a much loved local, and today is proud to be independently owned with a string of accolades to its name.
The kitchen is passionate about serving up locally sourced and seasonal produce, stating that while the likes of olives and avocados are delicious and on trend, you won't find them on the menu. Instead, tuck into the delicacies that East Sussex is known for and come from the surrounding farms and producers, many of whom the team call friends.
The food offering is deliberately diverse to cater to different occasions, times of the day and tastes. For example, first thing in the morning the kitchen turns out delicious breakfast rolls to get your day started, while at lunch time picnic options like bread and pickles, scotch eggs, brawn croquettes and charred local octopus are perfect for enjoying on the benches outside.
If you're in the mood for a two or three course meal, there's plenty to choose from between the range of starters, lunches and dinners. Highlights from the main courses include pan-seared pigeon breast with a confit duck and blue cheese pithivier and foraged greens; alongside reginette pasta with cauliflower cream, artichokes and a lemon pangrattato; and sirloin steak with fingerling potatoes, poached sand carrot and bone marrow butter.
The team also bring their gourmet flair to pub classics, offering the likes of battered fish and chips with tartare sauce and crushed peas; liver and bacon with colcannon mash, caramelised shallot and onion gravy; or the pie of the week, in case you're in the need for some comfort food.
As for drinks, mixers, juices and pressés come from thei neighbours at Folkington’s and teas are sourced from independent specialist Joe’s Teas. You can also expect a well-curated wine list as well as a few choice cocktails. We like the sound of the Gingerbread Old Fashioned with Kentucky bourbon, homemade gingerbread syrup and orange.