The Wheatsheaf Inn, Eastbourne

What an excellent pub to be the 1000th pub that I’ve reviewed on Pubs Galore. I see it as proof that my efforts have not gone unrewarded, and as a sign that I should continue zealously my efforts. Spotting this pub down a side street off the main Willingdon Village road at dusk, illuminated in a warm and welcoming way, it was a no-brainer when one one of my companions suggested we drop in for a swift one. The structure and internal layout remains as described by other posters. The door in the centre through which we entered is still signed as the Public Bar, with the connected room on the right probably originally being the Saloon Bar. It’s low-ceilinged and dark-beamed as any self-respecting country pub should be. I detected something of a musical theme, with a piano at the back of the right hand bar, with an accordion resting on it and a guitar suspended from the ceiling. The bar counter in the saloon bar section, and the windows at the back, look relatively modern, but the rest appears original or at least pretty ancient. The walls are covered with all manner of interesting prints. All the tables bore a small vase containing a sprig of carnations, which Mrs R considered to be a big plus factor. The ale selection is at least as good as experienced by previous reviewers. They had Timothy Taylor Landlord, Harvey’s Best, Skinner’s Betty Stogs, and Beachy Head Legless Rambler on handpump, supplemented by a cask of Harvey’s Old gravity dispensed on the bar counter. I didn’t see a menu, but there was a Sunday buffet available (evidently also available on Boxing Day) for £6.50 a pop. I didn’t get a close look at what was available, but I did see a range of sandwiches as well as a selection of cheeses. We really enjoyed our short sojourn here and I for one would be delighted if I could find my way here for another pint or two sometime.

An ancient-looking inn with retro Courage branding located in the pretty village of Willingdon, which I sampled on the strength of Steve’s review below. On approach off the main road to Eastbourne, the pub is rather overshadowed a looming tree opposite which gives it an almost woodland feel. It’s large inside, with a two room arrangement, linked by a knocked through wall at the far end of the island bar, with a small extra room leading off to the left and a functional garden to the rear. The interior has lost a bit of character by the looks of it, too many botched ‘improvements’ undertaken in the 70’s I think. Four ales available - Harveys Sussex Best, Timothy Taylor Landlord, Hop Back Summer Lightning and Skinners Betty Stoggs, along with some interesting bottled ales (Harveys Elizabeth, Hepworth and others). We managed three of the four ales and the condition of each was good and prices reasonable. Tempted by the food, we tucked into some excellent stuff and my rabbit pie hit the spot; I’d say it’s well-worth eating here – the food was clearly home-cooked fayre and worth the extra couple of quid compared to the usual deep-fried gubbins elsewhere. Service behind the bar was friendly too. A really enjoyable visit and I’d recommend it to anyone finding themselves in the area.