The Mercantile Adventurers

The Cat Inn

➤ North Lane, RH19 4PP, Mid Sussex, United Kingdom

Piatti • Pizza • Cafés • Mexican • Asiatic

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"Wonderful food! Really fresh and tasty ingredients, beautifully presented, and original menus. I recommend the Steak, Mushroom Ale Pie, and the Snacks for a starter, including the Chicken Bites with Gochajang Mayonnaise. But I particularly enjoyed the (Vegan) Coconut Creme Caramel, with burnt fresh pineapple, passion fruit gel and fresh pineapple compote. Beautiful! And a great portion. The beer bread is heavenly! especially with the Pea Goats Cheese Soup. The vegetables are given just as much thought and attention as the main course, which was pleasing. As for the Albourne Estate Rose wine...to die for!! Great coffee, not bitter. And water on the tables as you arrive. Great service, too. Very personable, friendly and professional. Very timely. There is no added service charge, but the team work hard to ensure everything runs smoothly, and are a credit to The Cat Inn."

The Fox Eating Drinking House

➤ Highbrook Lane, West Hoathly, RH19 4PJ, East Grinstead, United Kingdom

Piatti • Pub • British • Vegetarian • Sandwiches

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"We had an absolutely delicious meal on Saturday evening!! I had forgotten the delights of Tims food- it's miles beyond what any other pub can produce- this, coupled with the fabulous interior, friendly staff and great atmosphere made for a perfect evening! Can't recommend Tim and Claire's pub enough! Ellie Anthony"

The Half Moon Inn

➤ Haywards Heath Road, Mid Sussex, United Kingdom, RH17 6PA

Piatti • Pizza • Sushi • Asiatic • Seafood

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"The Half Moon Pub in Balcombe used to be a regular haunt for us, known for its inventive menu and quality food. Unfortunately, our latest visit was a disappointment. The menu has been simplified to the point of being uninspiring, lacking the previous culinary creativity. We opted for the Ploughman's and Fish and Chips, two straightforward dishes that nonetheless failed to impress. The Ploughman's was served with mouldy grapes and lacked even the basic accompaniment of butter. The cheese was bland, and the bread was stale. The Fish and Chips didn't fare much better, as the fish had an odd taste that made us question its freshness. To top it off, there was no apology or any attempt to make amends for the lacklustre meal and experience. Until we see some improvements, we'll be taking our custom elsewhere. Edit: tried to go back a couple of months ago, and the kitchen was closed because the extractor fan was broken! Really hope the pub can improve as we love visiting Balcombe."

Gravetye Manor

➤ Vowels Lane, RH19 4LJ East Grinstead, United Kingdom

Piatti • British • European • Ice Cream • Britisch-modern

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"We go to Gravetye 3 or 4 times a year if we can and have been going for many many years over the tenures of several owners. It 's always a complete joy, and the current owner has done a fabulous job of getting the right people in, both inside and out. Tom Coward, the Head Gardener (ex. Dixter) has a vision and a long term plan that make continual visits over an extended period a joy every time we visit we are surprised by the continual changes we learn so much and the garden staff are super helpful and willing to discuss what they 're up to and why. The amazing oval massive kitchen garden that supplies the hotel is a source of wonderment and not to be missed. A visual and culinary feast. We 've never stayed there as we live reasonably close, but have eaten in both the old and new dining rooms many times. The new dining room sits harmoniously between the wings of the manor and although a very modern glass and steel construction, the inclusion of a fabulous antique (and uneven) parquet floor (ex. some french chateau) softens the feel and acoustics, making the room almost intimate. The floor to ceiling windows bring you right into the garden, even in the foulest of weather it 's a triumph of design. Then there 's the food. Apart from the presentation, which is exquisite, the flavours and textures always bring a broad grin, however grumpy I am! This is absolutely first rate British cuisine; the kitchen under Head Chef George Blogg is to be commended, as are the garden staff producing the freshest of produce. I occasionally try to photograph the plates, but invariably find I 've forgotten that rather crass move and have just launched in! Must also mention the front of house staff. Perfectly presented and mannered, they know exactly the boundary between staff and guest and make you feel completely comfortable and relaxed there is nothing stuffy or obsequious about Gravetye everything is pitched just spot on and nothing is too much trouble. We were there today for a birthday treat, but will be back again soon for a post family wedding get together. Cannot recommend too highly just an excellent few hours, whatever the weather. Walkability: Lots of paths. The lower areas are easy for those with limited mobility, however it might be tricky to get up to the kitchen garden if you 're not great on your feet. Food drinks: See my review."

The Red Lion

➤ Lion Lane,RH10 4, United Kingdom, Crawley

Piatti • Pub • Pubs • Coffee • British

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"We had a wonderful experience at this charming pub filled with interesting trinkets to admire. The hosts were fantastic and went above and beyond to make us feel at home. With a group of 8 (7 adults and a 2-year-old), we stopped in after a day of pumpkin picking in search of a place to have a meal. The food was outstanding, freshly prepared to order with generous portions. Thank you for a lovely afternoon. The price per person ranged from £10 to £20."