***DECEMBER BOOKINGS NOW OPEN – CHRISTMAS PARTY MENUS AVAILABLE***

The Dorset Arms

Buckhurst Park, Withyham

Book a table Stay

Welcome to the Dorset Arms

Traditional hospitality in the heart of the Sussex Weald

The Dorset Arms is a village pub that combines the proud heritage of the De La Warr family and Buckhurst Park – with our relaxed and welcoming restaurant, bar and garden as well as our rooms that give you a home from home.

We offer a wide range of drinks, a great selection of beers and wines from Berry Brothers & Rudd as well as our popular and ever changing menus that showcase the very best of local & seasonal dishes all making up our modern British menu.

So whether you want to enjoy a quiet pint, are joining friends and family for lunch, or looking to stay in the beautiful Sussex countryside, The Dorset Arms is a great place to visit.

Plate

Eat & Drink

Eat at the Dorset Arms

We are committed to freshness and using local ingredients whenever possible.

Our menus offer a wide selection with our ever changing ‘specials’ allowing us to use local & seasonal ingredients as well as Buckhurst Estate produce & exceptional food from Sussex and artisan suppliers – not forgetting our very own Buckhurst Sausage, made to Lord De La Warr’s own recipe.

Book a Table View Menus

Stay

Stay at the Dorset Arms

Each of our nine rooms have been uniquely designed by Lady De La Warr to reflect the history and character of The Dorset Arms. 

Book a room

What our customers say

""You are a great team and we look forward to seeing you again soon.""

"We had just moved to the area and had some friends over so decided to book The Dorset Arms for their sunday roast. We were not disappointed at all. The service was exceptional. The food was delicious and the atmosphere was great. We had such a great time here that we will be sure to bring others here too. Amelie was great at taking my booking and looking after us. Thank you guys. You are a great team and we look forward to seeing you again soon."

HS - September 2025 - Google

""Would definitely recommend it here""

"Group of 12 work colleagues for a late lunch. Service was excellent and the food was really delicious. I had duck salad and it was very good indeed, followed by 3 tiny puddings, delicious. Would definitely recommend it here."

Nita R - September 2025 - TripAdvisor

""A complete joy!""

"Failed to book in advance, however what a gem the bar man is. Allowed us to eat in front of the fire and so glad I did lamb ragu parpadelle and absolutely delicious. a complete joy. thank you ever so much ❤️"

Andy Caddock - May 2025 - Google

""If anyone is looking for the ‘best Sunday Roast’ I can’t reccomend the Dorset Arms in Withyham enough""

"If anyone is looking for the ‘best Sunday Roast’ I can’t reccomend the Dorset Arms in Withyham enough!! Idyllic country village 20 mins outside of Tunbridge Wells, warm atmosphere, friendly and attentive staff. The Sunday roast was exquisite, well portioned and cooked to absolute perfection eveyone should try this The Dorset Arms, Withyham
Facebook "

BB - May 2025 - Google

""The service was exceptional, food was delicious and the atmosphere was great - you are a great team" "

""We have just moved to the area and had some friends over so decided to book The Dorset Arms for their sunday roast. We were not disappointed at all. The service was exceptional. The food was delicious and the atmosphere was great. We had such a great time here that we will be sure to bring others here too. Amelie was great at taking my booking and looking after us. Thank you guys. You are a great team and we look forward to seeing you again soon.""

HS - February 2025 - Google

"We would have no hestitation in recommending it to others .."

"We have been to the Dorset Arms many times over the past few years and the standard has been consistently good. Lovely warm friendly atmosphere, nice staff and good food. Always a pleasurable experience. We would have no hesitation recommending it to others. Thank you for a great Sunday lunch!"

Marina - February 2025 - OpenTable

""Service was very efficient and very professional ...""

"The lovely staff here managed to squeeze me and my family in for a roast a couple of weeks ago and were very accommodating of my small children. Service was efficient and very professional, the pub was cosy and atmospheric and above all the food was top notch - the best roast I’ve had in years. We will be back!"

Moira Welch - January 2025 - Google

"One of the best roasts and staff were great .."

"Fabulous Sunday lunch. One of the best roasts and staff were great.
"

Oli Sussex - February 2025 - Google

"This was a lucky spur of the moment find..."

"This was a lucky spur of the moment find after an autumnal walk at nearby RSPB Broadwater Warren nature reserve. Welcome and service was really good, enough GF options to choose from and lovely quiet environment to enjoy a leisurely meal. And well worth a temporary lapse in vegetarian diet to savour the crispy pork belly bites (appetiser) and the venison steak (main). Wonderful."

Anon161 - September 2024 - TripAdvisor

"Lovely pub, quite traditional but the food is awesome."

"Lovely pub, quite traditional but the food is awesome. Only had Harvey’s on hand pump but IPAs, Guinness and lagers available. The smoked haddock on mustard mash was delicious. There’s a 7 mile walk that loops from this pub, so what’s not to like 😁"

Chris Bull - February 2025 - Google

"Super dog friendly .."

"Great service and fantastic value set menu. Interesting food and beautifully presented.super dog friendly Tooze will definitely be back soon"

Single lady guest - January 2025 - TripAdvisor

""Hidden Gem" "

" stumbled across the Dorset Arms while in the area and what caught my eye straight away was the sight of oysters on the menu, not something you expect from a traditional pub tucked away in the middle of Sussex. Naturally, curiosity (and a love of good seafood) led me in.

I was genuinely impressed. The Mersey oysters were outstanding, fresh, briny, and as good as any I’ve had. In fact, I usually swear by the oysters at Smiths in Wapping, which are hard to top, but these were right up there.

The staff were polite, the atmosphere relaxed, and the food far exceeded expectations. If you are anywhere near the area, the Dorset Arms is absolutely worth a visit, especially if you’re an oyster lover."

Steve Price - May 2025 - TripAdvisor

  • Certificate of
    Excellence

    2015-2017 Winner, TripAdvisor

  • Diners' Choice
    Award 2018

    OpenTable

Plate

Our Menus

Exceptional food using the best
local and seasonal produce

We use the very best of local Sussex produce to create modern, British menus with a strong focus on using the best ingredients simply.

Book a table View Menus

The Dorset Arms Instagram

This error message is only visible to WordPress admins
There has been a problem with your Instagram Feed.

Find us

Visit the Dorset Arms

Find us nestled in the heart of the Sussex countryside on the edge of Ashdown Forest just a 15 minute drive from Royal Tunbridge Wells.

View Map
Opening Hours
Mon & Tue: 12.00 - 16.00
Wed - Sat:12:00 - 23:00
Sun:12:00 - 18:00
Kitchen Hours
Mon & Tue12:00 - 14:30
Wed - Fri:12:00 - 14:30
18:00 - 20:30
Sat:12:00 - 14:30
18:00 - 20:30
Sun:12:00 - 16:00

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. To find out more read our Cookies Policy.