Yesterday we visited one of my favourite Sussex Pubs, which just happens to be situated in one of the most beautiful villages on the north side of The Downs. The Pub' dates from the early 1800's, but one would be forgiven for thinking it was a lot older.
The village of Fulking is small, wrapped around narrow winding lanes, and tucked into a valley amongst the folds of The Downs. The lanes are surrounded by high sided banks on both sides, there are stunningly beautiful cottages, farm houses, and ancient churches everywhere. If it wasn't quite so far away from any shops, it would be the perfect place to live. This is a village where one needs to be well organised.
We ate Porchetta, and Lamb shanks. Everything was perfectly cooked, and a bottle of rouge completed the picture.
The Pub' is 'dog friendly' but I decided to leave Billy at home.
Lamb shank foreground, Porchetta top right.
Just a few metres down from the Pub' was this charming little fountain. The water, which comes off The Downs, was rushing at terrific speed. I don't quite know why as it hasn't rained here for ages.
Both the food and wine were excellent, and our only gripe was that the inside was a bit cold. There were two fires, one was lit but gave off no heat, the other, a huge ancient inglenook wasn't. It was the perfect day for a couple of blazing fires, but for some reason they chose not to offer us that pleasure.
Verdict for the lunch: 10/10
Verdict for the village: 10/10
Verdict for the overall experience 10/10
If you should ever visit the village, don't go with a big car, don't expect to find a parking space, but make sure you visit The Shepherd and Dog; just say Cro sent you!
Will there be a different pub for your lunch every day while Lady M is away.
ReplyDeleteIt's a nice idea, but I doubt it.
DeleteAnd there's the shepherd outside leaning on his trusty crook.
ReplyDeleteA perfect Sunday outing.
But without his dog.
DeleteLunch looks tasty.
ReplyDeleteIt was very good. A very typical Pub' lunch these days. It's surprising how similar Pub' lunches are between different venues.
DeleteThe similarity between lunches is a large chunk of the food is bought in pre-made and reheated on the premises. Not only does that maintain quality control, it is cheaper and easier on health and safety.
DeleteI know that is the case these days in France, you can hardly find a decent restaurant there now where they cook their own food. Here I'm not so sure, they seem to like 'meat and six vegs'. I find it all a bit much. Just the roast spuds and some greenery would suit me better.
DeleteThe lunch looks most splendid. However, if I lived in a village called Fucking, I would organise a petition to get its name changed to Greendale - the fictional village where Postman Pat lives.
ReplyDeleteThe 'L' was included just for decency! You could also visit Fluck, Shlit, and the lovely coastal village of Blugger.
DeleteHa-ha! You cad!
DeleteHow wonderful, simply wonderful.
ReplyDeleteIt was. An archetypal Sussex Pub'.
DeleteLooks a lovely English pub and the food looks delicious. I'm glad it was so enjoyable. XXXX
ReplyDeleteWe've been meaning to go back for ages, it just happens that we did so whilst Lady M was away. She won't be happy!
DeleteWhat a great meal in a lovely village pub. Next time you'll have to wear your heaviest jumper with a vest. The pub really should have had fires roaring in both fireplaces.
ReplyDeleteThey should have! It was just a little too cold. However, it didn't spoil the day.
DeleteThat looks very tasty. You can't beat a good old fashioned Sunday roast.
ReplyDeleteAnd it makes a nice change to get out of town, and into real countryside.
DeleteBloody hell that looks good
ReplyDeleteT'was mighty fine. A good Sussex slap-up lunch.
DeleteBefore I got married and left Brighton for the Cotswolds, the Shepherd and Dog was a favourite haunt of ours. We spent many a Saturday night there with our friends. I wonder if the old squashy sofa is still there in front of the fire? :)
ReplyDelete"we" ?
ReplyDelete