The Ram Inn, Lewes

Popular dining pub, very busy on a Sunday afternoon with just some damp outside tables free following the repeated rain showers. However, given a quick wipe down, the courtyard was a fine spot once the sun came out (and a bit of a bonus too, since the clocks had gone back earlier that day). Didn't really get the chance to look around much of the multi-room interior, but the parts I saw were every bit as traditional as one would expect in a historic village such as Firle. Beer-wise, the inevitable Harvey's and a decent Old Man from Long Man (£4.50) were available from the four handpumps.

Grade 2 listed building in the wonderfully rural village of Firle, nestling at the foot of the South Downs. Small bar area but has a public bar room on the left and the games room to the right (mind your head on the low door frame) which still has an old Toad-in-the-Hole game. There is also the Functions Room (the Old Court House Room) to the rear of the public bar room too plus rooms in the old stable range to the right hand side. Since I last visited way back in 1989 it has undergone a refurbishment in 2005 which has resulted in a new paint scheme which is at odds with the rustic charms of the pub. In other words it has gone gastro! However it still sells two to three real ales (usually Harvery's Best plus two local brewery beers; Long Man or the nearby Burning Sky) plus one real cider on hand pump. The pub has a nice walled garden to the rear plus tables and seating outside the front. Does get very busy during the summer with walkers, hikers et all plus visitors to the nearby Glynebourne Festival during May to August (the 5 guest rooms are usually sold out).