Set back from the road, the striking façade of the Dorset Arms oozes history and charm. Inside: thick beams, wall studs, an ancient Sussex oak floor, and an enormous log fire in the bar. An ale house since 1735, its fortunes have been revived by the current Lord De La Warr, with Lady De La Warr lending her astute eye for detail to the rooms. Locals love the candles on old tables, colourful cushions on benches, and family paintings and photos. Ale from local Larkins, Tonbridge and Black Cat micro-breweries and a changing menu from the Buckhurst Estate. Try pan-seared scallops with smoked bacon, peas and saffron cream sauce, then venison steak with stilton mash, and vanilla panna cotta to finish. Or go for the locally famous Buckhurst Park sausages, made to the Lord’s own recipe reminiscent of his childhood. Six lovely bedrooms are housed in the attractive red brick cottage detached from the pub; beautifully comfy beds with upholstered headboards, spotless bathrooms, and a shared sitting room on the ground floor. Marvellous.
