About
A historic village pub with a modern approach
History
A public house steeped in history
The family records reveal that The Dorset Arms was built in 1595 and became a public house in 1735.
Situated in the outstandingly beautiful Sussex Weald, part of the historic Buckhurst Estate, the pub is named after the Earls and Dukes of Dorset, one time heads of the Sackville family, and shares a heritage of family ownership now headed by their descendant, William Sackville, the 11th Earl De La Warr.
It has been in the same family ownership since the 16th century, except for the period 1986-2013, during which it was the property of Harvey’s of Lewes. It is now back under family ownership.
Easily accessed via the footpaths through the Buckhurst Estate are both the church of St. Michael and All Angels, in which the tombs of the Sackville descendants can be found and the real life “100 Aker Wood” made famous as the setting for the Winnie the Pooh stories of A. A. Milne, where Christopher Robin played with the present Lord De La Warr’s father.
In his 1909 ‘Sketchbook of Tours in Kent and Sussex, a charming drawing of the Dorset Arms appears by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, the celebrated early 20th century architect, designer and artist. Mackintosh was known to be a close friend of Lady Margaret Sackville’s and while visiting Buckhurst Park designed the sign for The Dorset Arms and is also believed to have added the finials to the exterior of the pub.
Part of the historic Buckhurst Park Estate
Buckhurst Park has belonged to the De La Warr family for more than 900 years. In the reign of William the conqueror, it formed part of the Estate of Ralph de Dene, and was recorded in the Doomsday Book.
It passed to the Sackville family – Lords Buckhurst, Earls and Dukes of Dorset, and Earls De La Warr in 1140 and the history of Buckhurst and the Sackville family has been woven into English history ever since.
The Estate hosts many outdoor pursuits including pheasant shooting, fishing and clay pigeon shooting and, with the beautiful backdrop of Buckhurst Park, is the ideal choice as a wedding venue or for corporate events.
Find out more at buckhurstpark.co.uk
Our People
Lord De La Warr
Having spent most of his early career in the City of London, Lord De La Warr has always had a passion for food, which is evident in his involvement with all aspects of The Dorset Arms, but particularly the menus.
When, five years ago the opportunity to buy back The Dorset Arms presented itself Lord De La Warr was able to incorporate the pub back into the Buckhurst Park Estate as well as realising his childhood dream of owning a restaurant.
Lord De La Warr is passionate about using locally sourced food, our Sussex beef comes from a local farm or when possible comes from his own pure bred, organic (grass fed) Sussex cattle reared on the Buckhurst Estate, as do the pheasant, partridge, duck and venison that we use during the season.
The famous and very popular Buckhurst Park sausages are produced locally and made to his own (secret) recipe.
Lord De La Warr’s involvement in The Dorset Arms ensures that we have a diverse selection of classic and contemporary dishes, served in a restaurant that offers the very best without ever surrendering the feel of a village pub.
Careers
Join our team
We’re always looking for extraordinary people to joint our team.
Please get in touch for vacancies or to find out more.
Call us on
What our customers say
""Excellent food, service & a lovely varied menu too""
"Excellent food, service and a lovely, varied menu too. We had a great evening, thanks guys. Highly recommended for dinner."
""They were always attentive and the food was excellent. We could not have asked for more...""
"We hired a pod for our 40th wedding anniversary. The staff managed to balance being always available but not a constant interruption. They were always attentive and the food was excellent. We could not have asked for more..."
"Excellent meal, excellent service "
"Excellent meal, excellent service. Very happy friendly staff. Lovely atmosphere.
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""Food was excellent, service was fantastic""
"It was the first time I've been to the Dorset Arms. Food was excellent, service was fantastic and I would recommend eating here. I will be back again for the Sunday roast!
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"We will definitely go back"
"The service was efficient and courteous and the food was great. Overall, a very pleasant experience and reasonably priced. We will definitely go back."
"Better and better"
"Since the Restaurant was taken back by the estate, it has gone from strength to strength.Good locally sourced food, good ambience & service.We shall return!"
"Fabulous food in authentic surroundings"
"Really lovely inn. Very welcoming with real old worlde charm. Great service. Had wonderful perfectly cooked sole in delicious sauce. Wish it was my local!"
"One of the best..."
"Food is excellent, service is great. The flat ironed chicken is to die for. Great value, brilliant atmosphere."
"Wonderful dining experience"
"Will highly recommend the dorset to all my family & friends and will be visiting there again! All the staff were a pleasure to be around."
"Great food and lovely pub"
"We went on a Sunday evening and enjoyed a great roast. Service was excellent. Pub was classy without even trying."
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Certificate of
Excellence2015-2017 Winner, TripAdvisor
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Diners' Choice
Award 2018OpenTable
The Dorset Arms Instagram
Spring Asparagus from Birchden Farm, Groombridge - very popular and simply delicious.. #lovelocal
Spring Asparagus from Birchden Farm, Groombridge - very popular and simply delicious.. #lovelocal
Spot the difference…🖤
Rumoured to be Taylor Swift’s favourite cocktail the French Blonde has arrived at The Dorset Arms…
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Combining Lillet Blanc, Saint Germaine, Grapefruit, and Lemon bitters it’s a delicious sophisticated, citrusy combination served super chilled with a slice of grapefruit - the perfect cocktail for spring. #happymonday
Rumoured to be Taylor Swift’s favourite cocktail the French Blonde has arrived at The Dorset Arms…
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Combining Lillet Blanc, Saint Germaine, Grapefruit, and Lemon bitters it’s a delicious sophisticated, citrusy combination served super chilled with a slice of grapefruit - the perfect cocktail for spring. #happymonday
Thanks so much aeightbikeco so lovely to see you all and pleased we could help by providing the beer 🍻 !!
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aeightbikeco Big Easter Thanks to the 30 riders who joined us for our very first @hotchillee.cc x aeightbikeco x @opencycle Sussex Gravel Social!
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We were blessed with sunny skies, drying trails (only two muddy sections 😜), a coffee at @kingdom_pen and a beer at the @dorset_arms_withyham 🍻
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Two brilliant groups of Hotchillee regulars, #AEIGHTBIKECO regulars and some brilliant new faces too!
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We were delighted to show you some of our trails. Join us on the 27th of April for the second ride (details to follow)!
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📸 by @sventhiele - download the Hotchillee App for the full gallery!
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Thanks to Open for the RC bikes. Open bikes can be purchased via Hotchillee or AEIGHT, so if you’re interested in a test ride or a custom build, please get in touch!
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Thanks also to @schwalbetyresuk - I rode the G-One Bite TLE for this ride. Again, available via AEIGHT 🔥
Thanks so much aeightbikeco so lovely to see you all and pleased we could help by providing the beer 🍻 !!
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aeightbikeco Big Easter Thanks to the 30 riders who joined us for our very first @hotchillee.cc x aeightbikeco x @opencycle Sussex Gravel Social!
.
We were blessed with sunny skies, drying trails (only two muddy sections 😜), a coffee at @kingdom_pen and a beer at the @dorset_arms_withyham 🍻
.
Two brilliant groups of Hotchillee regulars, #AEIGHTBIKECO regulars and some brilliant new faces too!
.
We were delighted to show you some of our trails. Join us on the 27th of April for the second ride (details to follow)!
.
📸 by @sventhiele - download the Hotchillee App for the full gallery!
.
Thanks to Open for the RC bikes. Open bikes can be purchased via Hotchillee or AEIGHT, so if you’re interested in a test ride or a custom build, please get in touch!
.
Thanks also to @schwalbetyresuk - I rode the G-One Bite TLE for this ride. Again, available via AEIGHT 🔥
Loving the spring sunshine today in the garden - don’t forget if you are thinking of joining us over the Easter weekend we would love to see you so call 01892 770278 to book a table or book on-line.
#easterweekend #bankholiday #sussexpubs #sussexlife #dogfriendlypubs #tunbridgewells #pubswithrooms #pubgarden #englishpubs #weekendvibes #ashdownforest #eastgrinstead #weekendgetaway #countrylife #weekendwalks #lunchwithfriends
Loving the spring sunshine today in the garden - don’t forget if you are thinking of joining us over the Easter weekend we would love to see you so call 01892 770278 to book a table or book on-line.
#easterweekend #bankholiday #sussexpubs #sussexlife #dogfriendlypubs #tunbridgewells #pubswithrooms #pubgarden #englishpubs #weekendvibes #ashdownforest #eastgrinstead #weekendgetaway #countrylife #weekendwalks #lunchwithfriends
Our Chicken, Bacon & Avocado Salad .. the perfect Saturday lunch - you know where we are…
The cocktail of the week is our Hugo Lemon Spritz a long and super refreshing combination of @gordonsginuk Lemon Gin, Elderflower, Prosecco, Soda water with Cucumber and Mint.
The cocktail of the week is our Hugo Lemon Spritz a long and super refreshing combination of @gordonsginuk Lemon Gin, Elderflower, Prosecco, Soda water with Cucumber and Mint.
It’s Friday and we have a little “spring” in our step now the evenings are getting lighter… whatever your plans are for the weekend why not pop in and join us for something to eat or a drink by the fire and your favourite four legged friends are welcome too ! 🐾
Call 01892 7720278 or see #linkinbio to book your table.
It’s Friday and we have a little “spring” in our step now the evenings are getting lighter… whatever your plans are for the weekend why not pop in and join us for something to eat or a drink by the fire and your favourite four legged friends are welcome too ! 🐾
Call 01892 7720278 or see #linkinbio to book your table.
New to the menu, our delicious Fish Pie - the perfect dish for a Friday lunch.
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Filled to the brim with delicious fish and chips egg, coated in a creamy white sauce and topped with our buttery mash. #fishonfriday
New to the menu, our delicious Fish Pie - the perfect dish for a Friday lunch.
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Filled to the brim with delicious fish and chips egg, coated in a creamy white sauce and topped with our buttery mash. #fishonfriday
We’re thrilled to let you know that we have been nominated for BEST DESTINATION PUB in the @muddy_sussex Awards 2024 in Sussex.
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The first round of Nominations run until 14 MARCH, with the 5 businesses with the most nominations going to through to the Finals.
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Every nomination counts so we would be very grateful if you could take 2 minutes to vote to get us through to the finals! Voting link in bio ⬆️
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#MuddyAwards2024
#InLoveWithLocal #sussex #sussexpubs #localbusiness #ashdownforest #mussdysussex #localpub #tunbridgewells #pubswithrooms #dogfriendlypub
We’re thrilled to let you know that we have been nominated for BEST DESTINATION PUB in the @muddy_sussex Awards 2024 in Sussex.
•
The first round of Nominations run until 14 MARCH, with the 5 businesses with the most nominations going to through to the Finals.
•
Every nomination counts so we would be very grateful if you could take 2 minutes to vote to get us through to the finals! Voting link in bio ⬆️
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#MuddyAwards2024
#InLoveWithLocal #sussex #sussexpubs #localbusiness #ashdownforest #mussdysussex #localpub #tunbridgewells #pubswithrooms #dogfriendlypub
Don’t forget it’s Mothering Sunday this weekend and due to a lovely increase in demand we will be serving food until 7pm.
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So, if you are looking to celebrate with a late lunch give us a call on 01892 770277 as we have our last few remaining tables available.
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#mothersday #motheringsunday #familytime #weekendvibes #sussexpub #sussexlife #sussexpub #tunbridgewellsmums #tunbridgewellslife #dogfriendlypub #eastgrinstead #muddysussex #sundaylunch #sundayroast #pubswithrooms #publunch #familyandfriends❤️ #pubsofinstagram
Don’t forget it’s Mothering Sunday this weekend and due to a lovely increase in demand we will be serving food until 7pm.
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So, if you are looking to celebrate with a late lunch give us a call on 01892 770277 as we have our last few remaining tables available.
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#mothersday #motheringsunday #familytime #weekendvibes #sussexpub #sussexlife #sussexpub #tunbridgewellsmums #tunbridgewellslife #dogfriendlypub #eastgrinstead #muddysussex #sundaylunch #sundayroast #pubswithrooms #publunch #familyandfriends❤️ #pubsofinstagram
So lovely that the evenings are getting lighter … not quite pub garden weather yet but won’t be long!
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#pubsofinstagram #sussex #englishpubs #sussexpub #localpub #bedandbreakfast #dogfriendly #staycation #familyroom #sussexlife #villagepub #localbusiness #ashdownforest #pubswithrooms #englishpub #countrylife
#muddysussex #tunbridgewells #eastgrinstead #weekendaway #weekendvibes
So lovely that the evenings are getting lighter … not quite pub garden weather yet but won’t be long!
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#pubsofinstagram #sussex #englishpubs #sussexpub #localpub #bedandbreakfast #dogfriendly #staycation #familyroom #sussexlife #villagepub #localbusiness #ashdownforest #pubswithrooms #englishpub #countrylife
#muddysussex #tunbridgewells #eastgrinstead #weekendaway #weekendvibes
Opening Hours
| Mon-Sat: | 12:00 - 23:00 |
| Sun: | 12:00 - 6pm |
Kitchen Hours
| Mon-Fri: | 12.00-14.30 18.00-20.30 |
| Sat: | 12.00-20.30 |
| Sun: | 12.00-17.45 |