"The focus here seems to be heavily on food, with a large menu that includes the Sunday roast platters as an additional offering. The extensive nature of the menu raised some concerns for me, as I believe that kitchens can usually handle only about five or six dishes cooked to order without compromising quality. We had made a reservation, but despite the bustling atmosphere on a Sunday lunchtime, many tables were still available.
The roast platters appeared to be a popular choice, looking quite enticing for those who enjoy a large serving of food. I chose the haddock, chips, and mushy peas, which came with tartare sauce and a small bowl of ketchup. The fish was fairly fresh, and the batter was nice and crispy. However, the chips left much to be desired; they would have been better described as roast potatoes. They were acceptable but not what you expect when ordering fish and chips.
Both ladies opted for the fish cakes, served with a salad and crème fraîche dip on the side. Their feedback was that it was okay but somewhat bland and uninteresting. The beer selection was standard, but my pint of Sussex was perfectly fine. The other patrons were a mix of locals, including several large family groups and a few couples.
Overall, this is not a pub I would go out of my way to return to, primarily due to its lack of atmosphere and general blandness. If you're driving, I’m sure you can find better options nearby. I’d rate it about 3 stars."
