The Crow & Gate Inn, Crowborough

The Crow and Gate is a large Vintage Inns pub that is just about walkable from Crowborough, but it was a bit treacherous when I completed the journey on a recent foggy Thursday evening. I should have waited for the bus that stops outside in both directions. I’d been on the lager all day so stuck with a pint of Stella, although mainstream ales were available from a bank of hand pumps. This pub’s location dictates that it is very much food led, the burger is priced just shy of £18. I though the large sprawling interior had the feel of a function venue, and the lack of many customers meant there was no atmosphere. This isn’t somewhere I’ll be going just for a drink again.

Substantial, extended Vintage Inn; altered and refurbished over the years, but still retaining some character in the older part of the building (with some exposed timbers and a proper log fire that is a welcome sight on a cold winter's day). Semi-traditional furniture and decor in the various seating / dining areas around the central 'L'-shaped bar. Beer garden to the front and side. Only three of the five handpumps were in use, but a decent pint of Harvey's was available as well as Doom Bar and Old Rosie cider.