The Blackboys Inn, Uckfield

Black weatherboarding,whitewashed brick under a tile hung roof, an ancient roadside pub in a rolling part of East Sussex.Entry is by way of some steep steps:whelchair access is promised, but I'm not sure how this is obtained. Inside, two bars-public to the left, with other rooms and areas apparent.Beams, bar boards and a couple of brick surround open fireplaces,putting me in mind of a 1950's style pub. A Harveys managed house, the Blackboys has veered towards the gastro,though it hasn't been a drinker's pub for many years. Specialising in seafood,meals are none too large, and somewhat pricey. A hot September Monday lunchtime prompted me to try Harvey's Olympia golden ale;unfortunately this proved to be the dullest beer I'd drunk in a long time.However the Sussex Best Bitter was unimpeacheable. Harvey's IPA was rebadged as some Rugby world cup offering, along the usual range of instantly forgettable fizzy offerings. We came to meet friends walking the Wealdway, and sat under the awning with the wasps :most customers seemed to be sitting outside. Complementing the duckpond to the front, there's a beer garden at the back.Service was good humoured and efficient.