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.
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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."
""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
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!
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
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
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.
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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
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
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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
Today really is the perfect day for lunch ‘Al fresco’ in our garden or in the Garden Room - which is set up for a lunch party of 15, the perfect way to spend a Monday..
Today really is the perfect day for lunch ‘Al fresco’ in our garden or in the Garden Room - which is set up for a lunch party of 15, the perfect way to spend a Monday..
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.
Opening Hours
| Mon & Tue: | 12:00 - 20:00 |
| Wed - Sat: | 12:00 - 23:00 |
| Sun: | 12:00 - 18:00 |
Kitchen Hours
| Mon & Tue | 12:00 - 14:30 |
| Wed - Fri: | 12:00 - 14:30 18:00 - 20:30 |
| Sat: | 12:00 - 20:30 |
| Sun: | 12:00 - 16:00 |