Duke of Cumberland

Perched on the side of a hill in a backwater village, this 15th-century pub is tricky to find, but it’s well worth the detour. The diminutive brick-&-stone building looks picture-perfect, surrounded by steep gardens, little trout pools & wide views towards the Downs. Inside, all is traditional & charming, but walk along the corridor & you’ll discover a showpiece light-filled dining room & a big terrace that makes the most of those blockbuster vistas. The kitchen delivers a modern take on the simple rustic theme with classics such as cottage pie with a cheesy mash topping or eight-hour braised lamb shank with redcurrant & mint jus, while herb-crusted Sussex sea bass fillet set on roasted Mediterranean vegetables & sautéed potatoes suggests more fashionable thinking.