The Thatched Inn will always hold a little place in my heart. Aside from the great impression it makes on pulling into the car park, due to the exceptionally maintained thatched roof, it is the 'pubiness' that makes it a winner.
Located on the fringes of Hassocks and overlooking a beautiful stretch of Sussex countryside (great for a post Sunday roast walk to preserve the waistline!), the pub has the advantage of space that Brighton establishments sometimes lack. You would be hard pressed not to find a parking space and the same applies to seating within.
The pub provides a cozy bar including a pool table if you fancy stopping by for a swift pint, the 'Keymer' bar for a more relaxed beverage and a large, yet homely dining area if you have come to eat. I will come back to the food in a minute. In the summer, the expansive secluded garden is perfect for children to bomb about, or for those summer nights when the weather is pleasant (of course, a bit hit and miss in this country!).
The menu is wide ranging (check the website for a current list of dishes) and offers traditional, quality pub food. A lot of the produce is locally sourced and cooked to order. Sometimes this does mean that you wait a little longer for your meal, but the wait is worth it in such a nice environment. This is a great pub to consider for a Sunday roast, especially if you live in Brighton and have access to a car. They will happily take bookings and also cater for private parties in the dining area.
I would have liked to see a wider range of ales on tap, but they do try and keep a local brew or two in rotation. Aside from that, expect your regular range of alcoholic tipples on offer.
Many moons ago, in my youth we used to walk to the Thatched from Burgess Hill for our Friday drinking sessions and I would still make that walk! I guess the one negative is the location if you are without transport, but if you do make the pilgrimage from the station, I believe you will be glad that you did. read more