The Hop Sun, Haywards Heath

Dear me, this place is grim. On a bitterly cold day, the customers were corralled into a covered yard next to what I'd assumed was the actual pub. My pint of keg Heathen Session IPA went down as quickly as I could manage, given the cold hands and the fact that it wasn't really that great. Several more keg offerings were available from a hatch servery, with a Burning Sky beer available on cask. The sole positive was the friendly service from the young barmaid clad, like the rest of us, in a hat and coat. By some margin, the worst pub experience I've had in many years. I won't be back.

Facebook page of The Hop Sun - www.facebook.com

Facebook page of The Hop Sun - www.facebook.com

Previously a funeral directors, Hop Sun is now a ‘taproom’ that has seating down the right hand driveway and in the rear in what feels like a large old yard that has been covered with a large vaulted roof. The furniture is a mishmash ranging from picnic tables and patio furniture to an extendable dining table and beer keg stools. The serving counter is found at the back of the main building and at the rear are brewing vats and the toilets. A chalkboard suggests that there are up to six real ales and ciders available at any one time. During my recent late Saturday afternoon visit there were two ales on, Burning Sky Aurora and Only with Love’s Yacht Rock. There were also two real ciders from Black Pig Brewery and 12 craft keg options. A pizza menu is available. I found this to be a very friendly family run bar and although the surroundings are functional rather than fancy I would return.

Official site of The Hop Sun - thehopsun.co.uk

Official site of The Hop Sun - thehopsun.co.uk