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

Eat & drink

Eat at the Dorset Arms

Our philosophy

Exceptional food using the best local and seasonal produce

Our menu selection offers you the option to enjoy drinks and a light bite in our cosy bar or move into to the restaurant to choose from our popular Specials, favourite British classics and delicious Game dishes, all reflecting the best of what Sussex has to offer.

Bar

An 18th century alehouse in the beautiful Sussex Weald

The De La Warr family records reveal that the Dorset Arms was built in 1595 and became a public house in 1735. It was called The Ale House until 1820 when it became The Dorset Arms. It has therefore 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.

Being a free house we have a selection of cask beers on tap and change our guest beers every 2-3 weeks, often showcasing local beers from independent brewers in and around Sussex.

Our specialist suppliers keep our bar well stocked with a large range of spirits, vodkas & gins which include the old favourites as well as locally distilled small batch gins, which we like to feature as our Gin of the Month. Berry Brothers and Rudd provide us with our extensive wine selection, many of which can be enjoyed by the glass.

So whether you prefer sitting at the bar with a paper, by the fire with friends or in the garden when the British weather allows, we look forward to seeing you.

Restaurant

Fresh seasonal dishes
served every day

Committed to freshness and using local ingredients whenever possible, the menu offers a wide selection with our ever changing specials allowing us to use seasonal produce to highlight the best of what we do.

Locally we are well-known for our fantastic Game dishes which feature on our menu throughout The Season.

Plate

Enjoy the summer
in our Garden Room

Our unique Garden Room, decorated and designed by Lady De La Warr is available for everyday dining as well as private hire. It seats up to 25 guests and is a popular space for dinners, receptions, parties and private events.

With its retractable roof, it is the perfect place for summer lunches in the sunshine, while in the winter months it is a warm and cosy addition to our dining space.

For private event enquiries please contact us on 01892 770278 or email enquiries@dorset-arms.co.uk

Private dining

The perfect space for private dinner parties

For any occasion where you need a more intimate setting, why not opt for The Gun Room or our unique Garden Room with its retractable roof.

The Garden Room seats up to 25 and The Gun Room up to 12, so whether you are looking to host a party, a special occasion or you would just like a bit of privacy give us a call and one of our team will be delighted to help you plan your special event.

If you are looking for any overnight accommodation for your event, we have a selection of rooms in The Old School Cottage and above the pub that can be booked individually or as a whole.

For any enquiries or further information, please call us on  01892 770278 or email us at enquiries@dorset-arms.co.uk

Dining & Drink Lodges

Enjoy our Garden Lodges

We have a stunning private drinks/dining lodge in our garden that is available for hire. It is  the perfect venue for any celebration you are planning.

Taking advantage of our beautiful Sussex setting it has been designed around the ‘Country Lodge’ theme. Our lodge can accommodate 15 guest seated and 20/25 standing guests.

You can use the lodge so that it open out into the garden or have it  them closed for privacy – it is the perfect venue for any occasion you are planning from birthdays and dinners to baby showers and intimate weddings.

Prices start from £50  for private hire of the lodge and for parties of under 10 we have our A la Carte menu and for events  of 10 or more we have set menus for you chose from.

Book Now

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

Reservations

Book a table

Or call us on
01892 770 278

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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