Goffs Manor, Southgate, Crawley

Goffs Manor is a Hall and Woodhouse 16th century rambling house that, according to a blue plaque by the entrance, was home to Peter Vaughan. Outside the entrance is a patio area that leads to a large grass covered area with picnic tables. Inside the entrance is a small bar area with a limited standard and premium keg range alongside cask Badger Best, Fursty Ferret, Harry’s Pale Sail and Tanglefoot. Through a door to the left is the ‘Garden Bar’ with serving counter, snug and burner heater. To the right of the bar is a small room with inglenook, lots of books on shelves and a log burner. Beyond are more seating areas which were being used by diners. There was some low background music playing throughout. This place is worth a gander, but I wouldn’t return just for a beer.

Goffs Manor page at the Hall & Woodhouse site - www.hall-woodhouse.co.uk

Goffs Manor page at the Hall & Woodhouse site - www.hall-woodhouse.co.uk

Goffs Manor is a charmingly picturesque 16th Century country house but has only been a pub for about ten years. Before then it was the home of actor Peter Vaughan, best known as Harry Grout in Porridge. The main entrance leads to a Public Bar on the left and a series of four interconnecting rooms to the right that include both formal and informal dining areas. The main bar is quite small and snug with a wonderful open fireplace in front of which you will inevitably find a slumbering dog. The last two sections appear to be later addidtions to the building with a glazed part of the roof revealing the extent of the original exterior wall although there are several beams, pillars and fireplaces that compliment the building’s style. Some of the old pictures include the pub in its days as a private house. The Public bar was closed for a private function on my visit but a peek through the window revealed that this too was in keeping with the building’s character. The attractive floodlit gardens contain several benches and are a big bonus feature when the weather allows. There is also a good sized car park (the pub is also used by coach parties). Being part of the Hall & Woodhouse group, the beers were all tied with King & Barnes Sussex Best, Tanglefioot, Badger Best and Pickled Partridge being the options on my visit. Prices were realistic enough given the surroundings with my Pickled Partridge clocking up at £3.35. The meals were also pretty reasonable with several main courses available between £7-10 and limited lunch specials for £5.99, £7.99 or £9.99 for 1, 2 or 3 courses respectively. Whilst it is clearly centred on dining, the drinkers do fare quite well and given the generally convivial and pleasant atmosphere, I would certainly seek the place out again even though it is a bit off the beaten track.