Miller & Carter Haywards Heath, Haywards Heath

Quite an attractive building, formerly the Sergison Arms, but now (almost entirely) a chain steakhouse restaurant. The bar is partly hidden and down a few steps towards the back, buried between the various dimly lit dining areas and with a solitary small general seating table. However, on a fine Spring day, the front patio garden was a pleasant-enough spot (despite the passing traffic) to drink a quick Peroni (£3.35, half). Madri, Neck Oil, Guinness and Aspall cider also available.

Miller & Carter is a chain of steakhouses, which was unbeknown to me before visiting this one in Haywards Heath. There is some patio furniture out the front by the entrance and a large car park surrounds the building because essentially this is a restaurant. I was met at the door by a young’un who asked me “how many?”, I said “I lost count in the Star”. Of course he was asking how many would be dining, but was fine when I said I was just looking for a beer. I found a table by the bar that is stocked with premium keg, I counted eight fonts. The restaurant was empty on Saturday evening a couple of weeks ago, when other places, including the Harvester over the road were very busy. I went for half an Amstel which was flat… OK, it was flatter than normal. From what I saw I reckon this place could be in trouble.

Official site of Miller & Carter Haywards Heath - www.millerandcarter.co.uk