Review: The Old House Inn
Sitting by a log burner, sipping on cider, idly leafing through the weekend papers…Is there a finer way to while away an afternoon?
The Old House Inn in West Sussex more or less demands this way of life. Although it is situated just a 10-minute drive from Gatwick airport, a visit here makes you feel as if you are immersing yourself in the tranquil English countryside.
As its name suggests, the property dates back centuries, but its current form is a seamless combination of old world charm and modern comforts. In addition to its small bar area (all low wooden beams, tiled floors and knobbly chairs), there is a much-lauded restaurant and six guest bedrooms. The latter have recently been refurbished and are a tasteful blend of style and substance. Bright and airy, ours boasted an enormous flat screen television, a freestanding bath in the en suite and an especially comfortable bed. It is the personal touches which really make the stay though, and we were delighted to find a little bottle of fresh milk waiting outside our door in case we fancied coffee or tea before breakfast.
Speaking of breakfast, the food here is not to be missed. We enjoyed an exceptional bacon sandwich after our overnight stay (think a fresh, buttered Brioche roll bursting with meat) and the dinner menu is worth indulging in too. Featuring pub-grub dishes such as fish and chips, burgers and steaks, it also offers an interesting selection of small plates which showcase its culinary flair. In fact, our small plates of Korean glazed chicken wings and Padron peppers were so impressive that we had to order one more – the homemade Scotch egg, which was equally delicious. Both the steak and the fish were cooked to perfection, and came served with generous portions of hand cut chips.
Really we should have been too full for pudding, but the offering was just too tantalising. The treacle tart was sweet and dense and as it should be, but the real show-stealer was the chocolate fondant with its creamy accompaniment of raspberry ice cream. Like any good pub, The Old House Inn also offers a traditional roast with all the trimmings on a Sunday. Everything is sourced locally where possible, and I can attest that the local beef is some of the most fragrant and tender I have ever tasted.
In addition to the beers and spirits on offer in the pub (including Sipsmith Gin, a personal favourite) the wine list here is extensive too. Featuring a varied and interesting selection of reds, whites and rosé, there is something to cater to every fancy. The Old House Inn’s convivial manger, Tim, recommended a bottle of Picpoul de Pinet which went down very nicely. So nicely that, as with our starters, we just had to order another.
Both the pub and the restaurant were bustling during our weekend’s stay. And watching the friendly staff interact with the customers, it’s clear that many are locals and returning customers, which always speaks volumes. If you are not lucky enough to be a local, however, The Old House Inn offers accommodation and dining packages. We drank and dined our way to a happy oblivion, and had no more than a 30-second amble back to our comfy bed. Considering its location, it’s also a great option en route to or from a holiday via Gatwick (and I’d wager that nothing would cure the post-holiday blues more than one of their roasts).
In fact, the only negative point to The Old House Inn is that once you arrive, you may never want to leave. Perhaps there’s a job going topping up that log burner…
Rates start from £110 per night including breakfast. For more information visit www.theoldhouseinn.co.uk or call 01342 718529
The Old House Inn in West Sussex more or less demands this way of life. Although it is situated just a 10-minute drive from Gatwick airport, a visit here makes you feel as if you are immersing yourself in the tranquil English countryside.
As its name suggests, the property dates back centuries, but its current form is a seamless combination of old world charm and modern comforts. In addition to its small bar area (all low wooden beams, tiled floors and knobbly chairs), there is a much-lauded restaurant and six guest bedrooms. The latter have recently been refurbished and are a tasteful blend of style and substance. Bright and airy, ours boasted an enormous flat screen television, a freestanding bath in the en suite and an especially comfortable bed. It is the personal touches which really make the stay though, and we were delighted to find a little bottle of fresh milk waiting outside our door in case we fancied coffee or tea before breakfast.
Speaking of breakfast, the food here is not to be missed. We enjoyed an exceptional bacon sandwich after our overnight stay (think a fresh, buttered Brioche roll bursting with meat) and the dinner menu is worth indulging in too. Featuring pub-grub dishes such as fish and chips, burgers and steaks, it also offers an interesting selection of small plates which showcase its culinary flair. In fact, our small plates of Korean glazed chicken wings and Padron peppers were so impressive that we had to order one more – the homemade Scotch egg, which was equally delicious. Both the steak and the fish were cooked to perfection, and came served with generous portions of hand cut chips.
Really we should have been too full for pudding, but the offering was just too tantalising. The treacle tart was sweet and dense and as it should be, but the real show-stealer was the chocolate fondant with its creamy accompaniment of raspberry ice cream. Like any good pub, The Old House Inn also offers a traditional roast with all the trimmings on a Sunday. Everything is sourced locally where possible, and I can attest that the local beef is some of the most fragrant and tender I have ever tasted.
In addition to the beers and spirits on offer in the pub (including Sipsmith Gin, a personal favourite) the wine list here is extensive too. Featuring a varied and interesting selection of reds, whites and rosé, there is something to cater to every fancy. The Old House Inn’s convivial manger, Tim, recommended a bottle of Picpoul de Pinet which went down very nicely. So nicely that, as with our starters, we just had to order another.
Both the pub and the restaurant were bustling during our weekend’s stay. And watching the friendly staff interact with the customers, it’s clear that many are locals and returning customers, which always speaks volumes. If you are not lucky enough to be a local, however, The Old House Inn offers accommodation and dining packages. We drank and dined our way to a happy oblivion, and had no more than a 30-second amble back to our comfy bed. Considering its location, it’s also a great option en route to or from a holiday via Gatwick (and I’d wager that nothing would cure the post-holiday blues more than one of their roasts).
In fact, the only negative point to The Old House Inn is that once you arrive, you may never want to leave. Perhaps there’s a job going topping up that log burner…
Rates start from £110 per night including breakfast. For more information visit www.theoldhouseinn.co.uk or call 01342 718529