The Cat | Pub in Sussex | Alastair Sawday's Special Places to Stay

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The Cat - Pub in Sussex

Last cache: 05:07:57, Sunday 03 December 2023

Queen’s Square, West Hoathly, East Grinstead, RH19 4PP, Sussex
England, United Kingdom

Andrew Russell
www.catinn.co.uk
+44 (0)1342 810369(landline)
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Sample top-notch food in splendid interiors, sleep in bright, comfortable bedrooms, stroll around sleepy, pretty West Hoathly...

Read guest comments

A fine medieval hall house with a Victorian extension, this 16th-century free house has a buzzing atmosphere and heaps of character. Inside are beamed ceilings and panelling, planked floors, splendid inglenooks, and an airy room that leads to a garden at the back, furnished with teak and posh parasols. Harvey's Ale and some top-notch pub food, passionately put together from fresh local ingredients by chef Alex Jacquemin, attract a solid, old-fashioned crowd: retired locals, foodies and walkers. Tuck into rare roast beef and horseradish sandwiches, Rye Bay sea bass with brown shrimp and caper butter, South Downs lamb chops with dauphinoise (and leave room for treacle tart!). The setting is idyllic, in a pretty village opposite a 12th-century church – a welcome sight after a walk in Wakehurst Place or Ashdown Forest.

Local points of interest from Andrew Russell:

Local points of interest from
Andrew Russell:
  • Explore the village and visit The Priest House. Gaze at the wonderful views of Sussex from the Churchyard
  • Standen (NT) and Wakehurst ( Kew in the Country) are 10 minutes away.
  • Bluebell railway - 15 minutes drive
  • Great walks in the Sussex Weald.
  • Two logs fires burn during the winter months.
Points of interest
Guest feedback
View More (1 of 4)
"Andrew, his team and the log fires provide a very warm welcome on a chilly January day. This is a very popular pub and eatery for locals and visitors - with good reason. The menu offers a beguiling choice of meals and there are plenty of local wines, beers and juices. The four bedrooms looked immaculate and the beds temptingly comfortable. Andrew’s passion for art is reflected in the eclectic art on the walls throughout and he promotes local artists by showing their work and encouraging others to buy. The care and attention to detail is evident. Every guest is certainly made to feel special."

Fiona - Sawday's Inspector , United Kingdom

January 2019
"We stayed at the cat inn. We had a fabulous stay and enjoyed the meal and excellent service."

Rob - Cheshire, United Kingdom

August 2017
"It's a charming 16th century inn situated in a quiet,peaceful village overlooking the local church. On arrival the staff were welcoming, friendly and attentive. Our room, overlooking the church, was spotlessly clean and elegantly decorated with a large, sumptuous bed, a pod coffee machine and a small flask of fresh milk to compliment the selection of teas. The bathroom had a good sized bath and large, overhead shower and a selection of artisan toiletries. The cask ales and local wines were excellent, the dinner and breakfast menus were imaginative, expertly prepared and delicious. We'll return"

Dave - Halesowen, United Kingdom

July 2017
"A delightful Inn, oozing with character and fabulous food. We stayed at The Cat Inn on a Saturday evening. Our rooms were tastefully decorated and comfortable. The highlight of the weekend was the food. It became apparent when we went to have a drink in the bar how popular it was. It's definitely a foodie's heaven and it's reputation was widely known. All tables were booked including the ones in the bar area that are normally available for people drinking. The bar staff are very attentive, friendly and more important leave you with the impression that they enjoy their jobs. Food was fabulous. I had smoked chicken and ham hock terrine, followed by slow roasted pork belly. The only disappointment was that I didn't have room for dessert! There is a good selection of wines, a bit more expensive than they should be. Breakfast the next morning was equally delicious. It's clear that Andrew's experience at Gravetye Manor gives his pub the edge. He clearly works hard and deserves the recognition. I would definitely return and if I lived closer would be a regular visitor for lunch/dinner."
May 2011

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Details

Meals:

Lunch & dinner from £12. Bar meals from £6. Sunday lunch, 3 courses, £26. Open Weds - Sun.

Closed:

Mon & Tues.

Paw prints Bringing your dog
Handy to know:

Lots of walks in the area.

Dog treats:

Poop bags, dog biscuits and towels for drying.

Dog fee:

Dogs £10 per stay. Max. 2.

Bringing your dog
Address:

Queen’s Square, West Hoathly, East Grinstead, RH19 4PP, Sussex

Directions:

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