The Squirrel Inn, Battle

Dining pub on the main A271 just beyond the western extremity of the town. Doesn't look that large or fancy from the road, but the multi-room interior - featuring dining areas on either side of the central bar - has been thoroughly modernised. There is also a substantial Covid-era covered and heated patio, and all parts were so busy on a Sunday lunchtime that it was no surprise to find entry being controlled. Seeing four unclipped handpumps on the counter caused some initial worry, because surely Harvey's is compulsory in this area? However, the aforementioned was soon found on closer inspection to be chalked on a small slate in front one of these, and a decent pint was obtained in exchange for £4.80. The local(ish) Red Spider from Pig & Porter was also from another pull.

The Squirrel Inn is an eighteenth-century roadside pub located on the A271 to the west of Battle Town. On my many journeys past this pub the car park has always been full, and it was no different when I visited on a recent Saturday afternoon. Location dictates that this is a food led pub, the kitchen is open daily for lunch and dinner service. On Sundays this pub closes at 18:00. Inside at the entrance are two high tables with stools and a small serving counter that faces the entrance. This supports a standard keg range alongside Peroni and apparently there are 45 different gins available. The are also three hand pumps that were drawing Harveys Best, Longman Best and Battle Brewery’s Abbey Ale. To the left is seating and a function room that was hosting a children’s birthday party. Seating also runs down the right-hand side to the rear of the pub. I didn’t see a television and there were no signs for live sports, but there was some background music playing. To the left of the pub is a decked area with small marquee for smokers on rainy days. To the left of this is a large grass covered beer garden with picnic tables and children’s climbing apparatus. Dogs are welcome in the garden and bar area. This is a decent pub that I would return to for a bite to eat, but I wouldn’t go just for a beer again.

Official site of The Squirrel Inn - www.thesquirrelinn-battle.co.uk