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.
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.
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.
"
""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
Next time you are in having a drink with us we highly recommend trying one of Chef’s selection of Roasted Nuts - currently on offer we have:
- Honey Roasted
- Salt and Pepper
- Miso and Chilli
£1.50 per serving
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#barsnacks #roastednuts #pubsnacks #englishpubs #sussex #sussexpubs
Next time you are in having a drink with us we highly recommend trying one of Chef’s selection of Roasted Nuts - currently on offer we have:
- Honey Roasted
- Salt and Pepper
- Miso and Chilli
£1.50 per serving
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#barsnacks #roastednuts #pubsnacks #englishpubs #sussex #sussexpubs
Our spellbinding Spiced Espresso Martini 🎃…
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A bewitching combination of:
- Maple syrup
- Kahlua
- Vodka
- Espresso
- Mixed spice
Spookily delicious …
Our spellbinding Spiced Espresso Martini 🎃…
•
A bewitching combination of:
- Maple syrup
- Kahlua
- Vodka
- Espresso
- Mixed spice
Spookily delicious …
We are delighted to be hosting our first ‘Wreath-Making’ workshop with the brilliant @cobnar_flowers on Friday 29th November starting at 10.30 and includes:
• Wreath Workshop
• Mid-morning tea/coffee
• 2 course set lunch
• Glass of Mulled Wine
£87.50 pp
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The workshop will run for 2.5 hours and in that time you will learn how to create your very own gorgeous moss-based fresh pine wreath from scratch using a variety of seasonal items and embellishments such as:
🎄pine cones
🎄 dried fruit
🎄dried flowers
🎄moss
🎄berries & ribbon
Gardening gloves and an apron are recommended.
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Absolutely no need to worry if you haven’t have never given floristry a go before – this class is perfect for everyone including beginners.
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Places are limited so please DM or call 01892 770278 to book your place.(deposit required to secure your space)
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#englishpub #sussexlife #floristry #wreathmaking #wreathsofinstagram #sussexpubs #christmasfun #christmaswreath #muddysussex #pubsofinstagram #funwithfriends #tunbridgewellsmums #tunbridgewellslife #tunbridgewellsevents #pubswithrooms #dogfriendlypub #floristlife
We are delighted to be hosting our first ‘Wreath-Making’ workshop with the brilliant @cobnar_flowers on Friday 29th November starting at 10.30 and includes:
• Wreath Workshop
• Mid-morning tea/coffee
• 2 course set lunch
• Glass of Mulled Wine
£87.50 pp
•
The workshop will run for 2.5 hours and in that time you will learn how to create your very own gorgeous moss-based fresh pine wreath from scratch using a variety of seasonal items and embellishments such as:
🎄pine cones
🎄 dried fruit
🎄dried flowers
🎄moss
🎄berries & ribbon
Gardening gloves and an apron are recommended.
•
Absolutely no need to worry if you haven’t have never given floristry a go before – this class is perfect for everyone including beginners.
•
Places are limited so please DM or call 01892 770278 to book your place.(deposit required to secure your space)
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#englishpub #sussexlife #floristry #wreathmaking #wreathsofinstagram #sussexpubs #christmasfun #christmaswreath #muddysussex #pubsofinstagram #funwithfriends #tunbridgewellsmums #tunbridgewellslife #tunbridgewellsevents #pubswithrooms #dogfriendlypub #floristlife
Ta-Dah!!!! It might be a bit grey and miserable everywhere this morning, but not here thanks to our sparkling new exterior..💫
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#pubswithrooms #staycation #sussex #muddysussex #bedandbreakfast #tunbridgewellslife #ashdownforest #dogfriendlypub #localpub #minibreaks #weekendaway❤️ #b&b #englishpubs #christmaspartyideas #weekendgetaways #sussexlife #eastgrinstead #localpub #pubsofinstagram #englishpubs
Ta-Dah!!!! It might be a bit grey and miserable everywhere this morning, but not here thanks to our sparkling new exterior..💫
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#pubswithrooms #staycation #sussex #muddysussex #bedandbreakfast #tunbridgewellslife #ashdownforest #dogfriendlypub #localpub #minibreaks #weekendaway❤️ #b&b #englishpubs #christmaspartyideas #weekendgetaways #sussexlife #eastgrinstead #localpub #pubsofinstagram #englishpubs
Join us for a warming pint of our guest ale, Harvey’s Old, by our beautiful fire 🔥
#harveyslewes #harveysbrewery #autumn #harveysoldale #realale #beersofinstagram
Join us for a warming pint of our guest ale, Harvey’s Old, by our beautiful fire 🔥
#harveyslewes #harveysbrewery #autumn #harveysoldale #realale #beersofinstagram
Our new paint work is looking so smart - not quite finished yet though ..#workinprogress
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#pubswithrooms #staycation #sussex #muddysussex #bedandbreakfast #tunbridgewellslife #ashdownforest #dogfriendlypub #localpub #minibreaks #weekendaway❤️ #b&b #englishpubs #christmaspartyideas #weekendgetaways #sussexlife #eastgrinstead #localpub #pubsofinstagram #englishpubs
Our new paint work is looking so smart - not quite finished yet though ..#workinprogress
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#pubswithrooms #staycation #sussex #muddysussex #bedandbreakfast #tunbridgewellslife #ashdownforest #dogfriendlypub #localpub #minibreaks #weekendaway❤️ #b&b #englishpubs #christmaspartyideas #weekendgetaways #sussexlife #eastgrinstead #localpub #pubsofinstagram #englishpubs
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!
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 |