The Horse Guards Inn

Sitting pretty in a village a mile from Petworth, the ancient Horse Guards is a splendid example of ‘ye olde tavern’ reinvented for the 21st century. Stripped wood floors, mix & match tables reinforce the pub’s status as a dyed-in-the-wool gastropub, while a series of beamed & shabby chic rooms, each with its own open fire, exude a burnished warmth that makes the pub a must for wintry nights. Alfresco opportunities beckon from the deckchairs & chill-proof throws in the rambling garden – it’s all very civilised. On the food front seasonal & local ingredients are given a good stir, whether via the keenly priced pie & pint evenings, the good Sunday roasts or fish stew. If you need to get your head down, take advantage of the three bedrooms.