The Wheatsheaf Inn, Eastbourne

Although now swallowed in the northern suburbs of Eastbourne, this remains a 'village pub' in appearance and spirit. Partly opened out inside, but it retains two bars linked by a passageway at the back, together with a dining area on the left-hand side. Mind you, on a hot early summer day, most customers were understandably out in the rear patio terrace beer garden. Duplicated selection of three local beers on the two banks of three handpumps: Long Man and Long Blonde (£5.65) from Long Man plus Harvey's. NB - Marked down a bit due to annoyingly slow service at an uncrowded bar.

What an excellent pub to be the 1000th pub that I’ve reviewed on Pubs Galore. I see it as proof that my efforts have not gone unrewarded, and as a sign that I should continue zealously my efforts. Spotting this pub down a side street off the main Willingdon Village road at dusk, illuminated in a warm and welcoming way, it was a no-brainer when one one of my companions suggested we drop in for a swift one. The structure and internal layout remains as described by other posters. The door in the centre through which we entered is still signed as the Public Bar, with the connected room on the right probably originally being the Saloon Bar. It’s low-ceilinged and dark-beamed as any self-respecting country pub should be. I detected something of a musical theme, with a piano at the back of the right hand bar, with an accordion resting on it and a guitar suspended from the ceiling. The bar counter in the saloon bar section, and the windows at the back, look relatively modern, but the rest appears original or at least pretty ancient. The walls are covered with all manner of interesting prints. All the tables bore a small vase containing a sprig of carnations, which Mrs R considered to be a big plus factor. The ale selection is at least as good as experienced by previous reviewers. They had Timothy Taylor Landlord, Harvey’s Best, Skinner’s Betty Stogs, and Beachy Head Legless Rambler on handpump, supplemented by a cask of Harvey’s Old gravity dispensed on the bar counter. I didn’t see a menu, but there was a Sunday buffet available (evidently also available on Boxing Day) for £6.50 a pop. I didn’t get a close look at what was available, but I did see a range of sandwiches as well as a selection of cheeses. We really enjoyed our short sojourn here and I for one would be delighted if I could find my way here for another pint or two sometime.