The Hatch Inn, Hartfield

The Hatch Inn at Coleman’s Hatch, one of the many old gates into Ashdown Forest, was converted from 15th century cottages into the Cock in the 18th century, later becoming the Hatch as it is now known. Outside the front of the pub is a small triangular area of grass with some picnic tables and over to the right is a bar in a hut where more seating sits out front. A walkway up the left of the pub leads to a rear decked and grass covered beer garden that I think had more dogs in it than people during a Saturday afternoon visit. The carpeted interior is L-shaped with an L-shaped serving counter on the rear wall that supports premium keg alongside Neck Oil and four hand pumps, two of which were on drawing Harvey’s Best and 360 Degrees Brewing’s Tacoma. There’s a wooden beamed ceiling lined with fairy lights throughout and to the left of the counter are a couple of tables with bench seating that runs up the left-hand wall. Padded bench seating also runs under the front windows opposite the counter and into the right-hand side of the pub where some more tables can be found. There’s a fireplace on the rear wall to the right of the counter and a larger fireplace is found on the right-hand wall. There was some very low background music playing which I didn’t really see the point of. The service was friendly and this place serves its location well, especially if your a dog owner.

Located on the eastern edge of Ashdown Forest, this historic building was originally a terrace of three cottages but became an inn during the 18th century. It looks a picture, and the interior retains a lot of character, although most of the limited space is given over to those dining. However, if you are lucky you can sit at the bar, on the bench opposite under the front window or at one of the tables when things are quieter. There are also some wooden benches out front and a sizable split-level rear beer garden. We found two Harvey's beers - the staple Sussex and seasonal Old - plus Cellar Head's Winter Pale Ale available from three of the four handpumps. Well worth seeking out.

Picturesque country pub, much given over to food - booking recommended at busy times. We were there on a quiet late-afternoon though and it was cosy and very pleasant. Some nice beers in very good condition.

Official site of the Hatch Inn, contains menus - www.hatchinn.co.uk

Official site of the Hatch Inn, contains menus - www.hatchinn.co.uk