The Star Inn, Horsham

This friendly, traditional pub was last year’s West Sussex County Times pub of the year. It consists of several rooms with names such as the ‘Four Ale Bar’ and the ‘Barrell Bar’, with wooden beams, wood panelled bar, bare and white painted brickwork and old photos for decoration, and there is a pleasant beer patio to the side. On my visit last Sunday, ales were served from two banks of four hand pulls, each offering the perhaps unadventurous options of Ringwood Best, London Pride or Abbot with the fourth vacant – my Ringwood however was in tip top condition. There was something particularly nice about this place that made both of us very comfortable – just a really good, genuinely friendly and relaxed atmosphere. I can see, or rather feel, why it got its POTY award.

Had Sunday lunch here, in general everything as good as could be expected without being outstanding. The chef injured himself just after preparing our meal so others may not have been so lucky. Beer range was a little limited with Ringwood Best, London Pride and Abbott Ale on. It seems like there are better pubs in the area as this one felt like it needed a bit of TLC - is it a pubco pub?

Low ceilings & rustic interior. Pride, Abbot and Ringwood Best available on draught. The Ringwood was very good. Unfortunately the exterior seating area was infested with wasps which made things lively in the wrong sort of way.

Another beautiful pub in quiet remote village. Lively, fun atmosphere at night, friendly bar-tenders, good food, good local ales, cozy nooks + crannies to sit. Oldy-worldy charm.