We are now taking December & Christmas bookings – call us 01892 770278 to make a reservation

The Dorset Arms

Buckhurst Park, Withyham

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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.

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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. 

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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."

Steve Price - September 2022 - Google

""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..."

Paul Stockley - October 2022 - Google

"Excellent meal, excellent service "

"Excellent meal, excellent service. Very happy friendly staff. Lovely atmosphere.
"

Malcolm Barton - November 2022 - Google

""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!
"

Tony Laughlin - November 2022 - Google

"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."

January 2020 - TripAdvisor

"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!"

Christopher S. - November 2018 - TripAdvisor

"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!"

Anne E. - June 2019 - TripAdvisor

"One of the best..."

"Food is excellent, service is great. The flat ironed chicken is to die for. Great value, brilliant atmosphere."

Gordon D. - March 2019 - TripAdvisor

"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."

Jean W. - May 2019 - TripAdvisor

"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."

March 2019 - OpenTable

  • 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.

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The Dorset Arms Instagram

Warm Ginger Parkin with Caramelised Banana Cream - one of our delicious new seasonal puddings.

Warm Ginger Parkin with Caramelised Banana Cream - one of our delicious new seasonal puddings. ...

Our Buckhurst Park Roast Venison has been proving tremendously popular today. As the weather gets cooler, why not join us for one of our delicious Sunday roasts? Booking recommended.

Our Buckhurst Park Roast Venison has been proving tremendously popular today. As the weather gets cooler, why not join us for one of our delicious Sunday roasts? Booking recommended. ...

New to the menu is this delicious starter of Salt & Pepper Squid with Chilli, Garlic & Lemon Aioli. Why not book a table this weekend and give it a try?

New to the menu is this delicious starter of Salt & Pepper Squid with Chilli, Garlic & Lemon Aioli. Why not book a table this weekend and give it a try? ...

The sunshine this evening means it still feels a little bit like summer - all set up here for an early supper.

The sunshine this evening means it still feels a little bit like summer - all set up here for an early supper. ...

This week’s ’Special’ is our Dorset Arms Fish Pie - packed full of Cod, Smoked Haddock, & King Prawns topped with creamy mash and served with Seasonal Greens.

This week’s ’Special’ is our Dorset Arms Fish Pie - packed full of Cod, Smoked Haddock, & King Prawns topped with creamy mash and served with Seasonal Greens. ...

A delicious business breakfast for 12 here this morning .. a great way to start the day!

A delicious business breakfast for 12 here this morning .. a great way to start the day! ...

It’s the Bank Holiday weekend and our amazing Wood-fired Pizza Oven will be open today, Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday ( taking a pause for Sat as it’s raining ☔️) .
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We hand-stretch our delicious pizzas and have all your favourites to choose from  so why not pop along and enjoy lunch ‘al fresco’.
#pizzalover #pizzatime #pizzaoven #bbq #tunbridgewellsmums #ashdownforest #kidspizza #sussex #sussexlife #dogfriendlypub #pubgardenweather #pubgarden #sussexcounty #countrypub #englishpubs #outdooreating #staycationuk #pubswithrooms #sussexfood #eastgrinstead #bankholidayweekend #weekendvibes #ashdownforest

It’s the Bank Holiday weekend and our amazing Wood-fired Pizza Oven will be open today, Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday ( taking a pause for Sat as it’s raining ☔️) .

We hand-stretch our delicious pizzas and have all your favourites to choose from so why not pop along and enjoy lunch ‘al fresco’.
#pizzalover #pizzatime #pizzaoven #bbq #tunbridgewellsmums #ashdownforest #kidspizza #sussex #sussexlife #dogfriendlypub #pubgardenweather #pubgarden #sussexcounty #countrypub #englishpubs #outdooreating #staycationuk #pubswithrooms #sussexfood #eastgrinstead #bankholidayweekend #weekendvibes #ashdownforest
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Our Lemon Sole Veronique with Clams and a Vermouth Sauce .. the perfect light fish dish for a Friday ..
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#fishonfriday #fryyay #lemonsole #fridayfeeling #sussexpub #chefstagram #dishoftheday #menufavourites #sussexlife #sussex #chefstagram #dogfriendlypub #chefsofinstagram #publunch #freshfish #pubswithrooms

Our Lemon Sole Veronique with Clams and a Vermouth Sauce .. the perfect light fish dish for a Friday ..
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#fishonfriday #fryyay #lemonsole #fridayfeeling #sussexpub #chefstagram #dishoftheday #menufavourites #sussexlife #sussex #chefstagram #dogfriendlypub #chefsofinstagram #publunch #freshfish #pubswithrooms
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One of today’s specials Pappardelle with Slow Braised South Downs Lamb & Chianti Ragu with a Garlic and Herb Crumb, Parmesan.
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The large surface area and rough texture of the pasta make pappardelle the perfect accompaniment to more robust sauces and ragus - delicious!
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#sussexlife #sussexpub #pastaragu  #pastadish #winetasting #localproduce #sussexcounty #sussexlife #countrypub #muddysussex #dogfriendlypubs #ashdownforest #pubswithrooms #staycation #cosypubs #dishoftheday #tunbridgewells #winelover #englishpub

One of today’s specials Pappardelle with Slow Braised South Downs Lamb & Chianti Ragu with a Garlic and Herb Crumb, Parmesan.

The large surface area and rough texture of the pasta make pappardelle the perfect accompaniment to more robust sauces and ragus - delicious!
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#sussexlife #sussexpub #pastaragu #pastadish #winetasting #localproduce #sussexcounty #sussexlife #countrypub #muddysussex #dogfriendlypubs #ashdownforest #pubswithrooms #staycation #cosypubs #dishoftheday #tunbridgewells #winelover #englishpub
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Just a week to go until our ‘Quiz Night’ is back by popular demand! 
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Book your team in for some summer fun  and arrive at 6.30 for a 7pm start.
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£15pp to include 
- Team entry (of up to a maximum of 6)
- Burger & Chips 
- Prizes on the night 
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Spaces are limited so call us now on 01892 770278 to register your team🙌.
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#sussexpub #pubquiz #quiznight #localpub #summerfun #muddysussex #ashdownforest #tunbridgewells #pubnight #eastgrinstead

Just a week to go until our ‘Quiz Night’ is back by popular demand!

Book your team in for some summer fun and arrive at 6.30 for a 7pm start.

£15pp to include
- Team entry (of up to a maximum of 6)
- Burger & Chips
- Prizes on the night

Spaces are limited so call us now on 01892 770278 to register your team🙌.
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#sussexpub #pubquiz #quiznight #localpub #summerfun #muddysussex #ashdownforest #tunbridgewells #pubnight #eastgrinstead
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New to the menu is this delightful dish of Confit Duck Leg, Summer Bean & Pancetta Cassoulet, Gremolata & Wilted Spinach.

New to the menu is this delightful dish of Confit Duck Leg, Summer Bean & Pancetta Cassoulet, Gremolata & Wilted Spinach. ...

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 - 20:00
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 - 20:30
Sun:12:00 - 16:00

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