ELSTED.

To get to this pub is difficult but fun, from Midhurst left off A272 Petersfield Rd at Elsted and Harting sign, 2 miles out of the village. In spite of the fact that it’s a sure-fire bet for a good meal and a comfortable night’s sleep, the main appeal of this friendly simple village pub is its resolutely unpretentious atmosphere. The rather ordinary façade if anything enhances the welcoming effect of the cheery buzz inside the two small bars, with country furniture on wooden floors, original shutters, old railway photographs (the pub was built to serve the railway when there was a station next door), and three open log fires. Darts, shove-ha'penny, dominoes, cribbage, backgammon, cards and plenty of local chat are happy substitutes for piped music and noisy games machines, and when they’ve a chance, the very welcoming licensees and their big friendly dog Truffle may join the throng. The small restaurant (candlelit at night) has patchwork curtains, an old oak dresser, and restored old polished tables and chairs. They use the best ingredients for their very good cooking: local game, Jersey cream from a local farm, free range eggs, mainly free range chicken and duck, and local vegetables and fruit. Sometimes changing twice a day, the menu might include sandwiches (from £3), filled baked potatoes or ploughman's (£4.95), wild mushroom tagliatelle (£7.75), Sussex bacon pudding, local lamb and butter bean stew, home-made fish cakes or fish pie (£8), winter game such as pheasant in calvados or braised venison in port (£8.75), quail potaccio (£9), and puddings such as home-made gooseberry and elderflower sorbet or lumpy chockie fudgie ice-cream (£2.75), seasonal crumbles and treacle tart (£4); Sunday roasts (£7.50). As there isn't much space, they reluctantly advise booking for meals. The good range of well kept real ales includes Ballards Trotton Bitter, Best, Wassail, Cheriton Pots Ale, Fullers London Pride, summer Nyewood Gold, and guest beers from small local independent breweries on handpump. The lovely enclosed garden has a big terrace, plenty of wooden garden furniture, a good view of the South Downs, and boules; summer barbecues. The well appointed bedrooms are in the old brewery building next door; good hearty breakfasts. The vintage sports car club meets every second Friday of the month with a big rally on New Year’s Day. Folk music 1st Sunday of the month.