The Cock Inn, Lewes

Attractive old inn, now in a cul-de-sac following an improvement of the main A26 some years ago. However, as a renowned food-led establishment - to the extent that all tables were laid up for those eating - it is still doing excellent business (evidenced by those ringing up to book a table we're being told that they were fully booked throughout). Anyway, the bar is traditional enough, although the various dining rooms have been modernised more than one might expect. The obligatory Harvey's and Long Blonde from the almost-as-nearby Long Man Brewery (£5.50) were available from two of the three handpumps.

The interesting part of the Cock is found to the right of the entrance where there’s a small bar area with seating, an inglenook with log fireplace and a small bar counter that supports three hand pumps that were drawing Harvey’s Best and Old Ale. The keg available during a weekday afternoon visit before Christmas were Birra Moretti, Amstel, Guinness, Inch’s Cider and an offering from the local Gun Brewery. The service was very friendly and I got quite comfortable with the fire burning and a bit of Buble playing in the background. A corridor to the left of the entrance leads past a snug dining area before arriving at a larger dining area in the left-hand side of the pub where the toilets are also located. All of the tables were occupied with grey haired diners, I think there was little chance of anyone eating here who hadn’t pre-booked. There’s a bus stop on either side of the A26 just up the road so this pub is accessible without a car, however it’s too isolated for me to consider returning again just for a beer.