Sunday Pub' Lunch

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!