The Lazy Fox, Crowborough

Taken over by the local Elite Pubs mini-chain in ?2021, the former Mark Cross Inn has been comprehensively refurbished and extended in their usual upmarket country pub style. Plenty of general seating in the old part at the front, but the dining areas beyond the bar are much larger. There are splendid views across the High Weald from the side patio terrace and rear beer garden (which also has a row of three 'beach huts' and a children's play area). Another plus is the friendly and helpful staff here. Doom Bar and - of course - Harvey's (£4.90) from two of the four handpumps.

Facebook page of The Lazy Fox - www.facebook.com

Facebook page of The Lazy Fox - www.facebook.com

Official site of The Lazy Fox - elitepubs.com

Official site of The Lazy Fox - elitepubs.com

The Mark Cross Inn is located just off the A267, but far enough away to escape any sign of the speeding traffic. The A board giving directions from the main road mentions breakfast that is available from 9am until 11am. Whilst in the toilet I read the breakfast details more clearly and discovered that the pub only opens early for breakfast on Thursday through to Sunday. A full English not including a drink is £8 and the tea will set you back another £2. I mention this as I left this pub feeling that it was much overpriced with a half touching the £2 mark and a cheese and tomato sandwich costing £6. Maybe this pub regards itself more as a restaurant, but the four hand pumps on the bar drawing Doom Bar, Adnam’s Bitter, Harvey’s Best and Landlord would beg to differ. There is also a standard draught selection alongside Symonds cider. I found the service to be polite and the Landlord was pretty good, but I didn’t really know what to do with myself. The sprawling rear of the pub is open plan except for a large wine rack acting as a pillar and all the tables are for dining. There is a good sized area at the front of the pub that is more pub like, but it’s all very sedate and populated with people that have got dressed up to visit and this is at 14:00 on a Friday afternoon. There was some barely audible music playing in the background, but it may have just been playing behind the bar. Outside the pub there is a large car park and a beer garden at the rear with lovely views of the landscape. There is step free access and a disabled toilet by the entrance. You’re more likely to see my mother-in-law in here than me, but I’m sure it is lovely out the back on a nice summer’s day.