The May Garland Inn, Heathfield

Official site of The May Garland Inn - www.maygarlandinn.co.uk

Official site of The May Garland Inn - www.maygarlandinn.co.uk

The May garland closed in 2011 for a major refurbishment and it had still not opened before I stopped passing through the area at the end of 2012. Having not visited before I jumped at the chance when it arose on the last Sunday of January. Being on the edge of nowhere it was no surprise to find ample parking for designated drivers and diners. At the rear of the pub is a large decked seating area and children’s play area. A ramp gives wheelchair access from the car park to the entrance at the rear of the pub. To the right of the entrance is a function room that is available for hire. This is the location of monthly Acoustic Open Mic Night that takes place on the fourth Wednesday of each month. Random events are also held in the function room such as the free entry 70s, 80s and 90s party than took place this month. To the left of the entrance is the bar that is bookended by left and right hand seating areas. Both seating areas have a log fire and access is gained to the toilets beyond the left hand side. A piano and dartboard are found in the right hand area where there is also a rolled up projector screen. The television was also off during my visit, but BT Sports was advertised. The central bar supports plenty of hand pumps, but five of these were unused leaving Long Man Brewery’s Best Bitter and Harvey’s Best as the only ale options. The keg options comprised Tiger Beer, Amstel, Fosters and Guinness alongside Symonds Founders Reserve and Cloudy Apple ciders. I didn’t get to look at a food menu, but there were lots of people tucking in to the Sunday roast that looked very appetising. The function room is not the only location of entertainment because I noted that two quizzes were due to take place and live music is held in the bar every fourth Friday of the month. Also, the second Thursday of each month is open mic/jam night. To be honest I was expecting a gastro pub so I was pleasantly surprised to find a pub that retains a local community feel. Location dictates that I will probably not visit this pub again in the foreseeable future, but I would have no problem returning if I find myself local again.