The Half Moon Inn, Heathfield

I popped into the Half Moon Inn for a couple of pints not long after the Grand National had finished on Saturday afternoon to find a pub full of locals, half of whom were watching the race highlights. A U-shaped serving counter faces the entrance and a bar billiards table to the front, seating and an Inglenook to the left and an L-shaped seating/dining area to the right. In the left rear is a pool room with a table and in the front right is a dartboard on a raised area across the front windows. The television showing the racing is mounted above a fireplace on the right hand wall. With the pub being busy we sat in the right rear where the walls are adorned with framed playing and collectors cards and on a shelf above the back door are a couple of pairs of binoculars and some Toby jugs. Through the back doors is a picnic table strewn beer garden that affords fantastic views of the East Sussex countryside all the way to the Downs across the south coast. I counted six hand pumps that were drawing Harvey’s Best and Old Ale alongside Biddenden’s Bushells Kentish Cider. A premium and craft keg range was also available alongside Stella from the very friendly staff. There was a really good atmosphere from old and young and the sun had brought out a few who were enjoying the garden. The ale range is a bit pedestrian, but this is a solid local’s boozer.

Decent old inn on the eastern outskirts of Heathfield, featuring a staple-shaped bar with a dining area at the right-hand end. Refurbished with semi-traditional furniture and light decor in all parts, but not to the extent that it detracts from the character too much. Rear beer garden. Two Harvey's beers - Sussex and Olympia (£4.50) and Biddenden's Bushels cider from a total of five handpumps.

Official site of The Half Moon Inn - www.halfmoon-inn.co.uk

Official site of The Half Moon Inn - www.halfmoon-inn.co.uk