Conde Nast Traveller included 37 pubs from across the country in the list with the publication looking for cosy bedrooms, quirky design, hotel-style comforts and good food.
The Ram Inn, in Firle, was praised for its “wonky beams”, “pretty walled gardens” and interesting menu.
“Right in the heart of the South Downs, this pub has a big catchment area: creative types scoot up from Brighton, a media-savvy crowd schleps down from London,” the publication wrote.
“There’s nothing predictable about the menu, with seriously good game from the Firle estate and fishermen delivering their catch each morning. When the pub recently had a spruce-up and opened four bedrooms in the ramshackle eaves, the village collectively sighed for fear that their secret was out, but so far the place has kept its integrity.
“Rooms have village views through huge (although slightly drafty) sash windows. One is tongue-and-groove panelled, another has a free-standing bath. This isn’t high design but it’s concise and comfortable and leaves the pub and stable room to take centre stage.”
The Ram Inn, Firle (Image: Google Maps)
Meanwhile The Bell, in Ticehurst, was lauded for its décor and interesting details including Vivienne Westwood wallpaper and a Banksy piece in the hall.
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“There’s nothing remarkable about a pub with a big open fire, chunky beams and weekenders sipping ale with wet dogs in tow. But The Bell in Ticehurst is so much more than that,” Conde Nast said.
“On closer inspection, the table legs have been dipped in paint, the beams are held up by stuffed squirrels and the crowd at the bar is a mixture of ad execs, farmers, writers and priests.
“Reopened in November 2011 after a £2million refurbishment, it has all the trappings of an urban boutique hotel – flatscreen TVs, handmade mattresses by Somnus – but this is no identikit set-up. It’s eclectic and playful.
“Designer Richard Brett drew inspiration from regional history and folklore, embellished and distorted ‘like the stories told at the bar’. Tables are shelves. Cutlery becomes coat hooks. Hats are lights. The trunk of a silver birch tears through each of the seven bedrooms. You’ll find a barber’s chair in place of a chaise-longue.
“The food is gamey and locally sourced, with proper portions, and the chef brings London restaurant pedigree, having worked at J Sheekey and The Ivy.”
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