The Noahs Ark Inn, Petworth

The Noah's Ark is a country pub in an idyllic location, overlooking the peaceful village green with a cricket pitch in the centre. Plentiful tables to the front of the pub give a splendid view of it all. As you'd no doubt expect, there's a food menu, with mains around £20, starters and bar snacks £10 - £12 or so. Fortunately, ales are not forgotten; unfortunately, there's nothing brewed nearer than Bury St Edmunds, in IPA and OSH, with the third beer coming from St Austell (Tribute) - the latter in good condition as you'd hope, having paid £6.80 for it. The Noah's Ark will require you to put some effort into getting here, but it's worth it, though a summer weekend will almost certainly find it heaving.

NOAHS ARK INN: Noah wasn't inn when we called, boat-building duties elsewhere I guess. But Mrs Noah was very accommodating, and we munched lunch in the menagerie after some right animals had left! (Dontcha just hate eating with the wrong animals..) Very pleasant fodder, and we supped from the vine, washing down with Adam's ale. Liked it so much, we ended up staying...40 nights! :o) TJ