Located in the heart of the South Downs National Park, this 18th-century flint and brick country pub exudes all the charm of its rural setting. Whether you’re stopping in the area – perhaps staying at the pub itself – or just passing by, the Star & Garter is a welcome pit stop for a drink and a good plate of food.
The interiors are as bright and welcoming as the staff, with plenty of exposed brickwork, wooden floors and tables and a range of seating. There’s also outdoor seating for the warmer months, complete with spectacular views of the rolling hills that surround the village.
What draws punters from far and wide more than anything else, though, is The Star & Garter’s menu. From the breakfast through to Sunday roasts, the food on offer here reflects the kitchen’s love of seasonal British produce. The pub also strives to reduce its carbon footprint via its field-to-fork ethos, and has designed dishes around the seasons and whatever local ingredients happen to be available at the time. Fish hails from Sussex and Hampshire, while meat and game mostly comes from the Goodwood Estate.
Unsurprisingly, the menus favour meat, game and fish – think beer-battered hake and chips or pan-roasted partridge with fondant potato, Serrano ham, partridge sausage, girolles, sweetcorn-creamed Savoy cabbage and elderberry jus – but there are a couple of vegan options available too.
For those looking for something a little more pubby, the lunch menu includes salads, sandwiches and a traditional ploughman’s made up of honey-glazed ham, Sussex Charmer, a Scotch egg, house salad, chutney, house pickles, sourdough and butter. Locals rave about the Sunday roasts here, while those with a sweet tooth won’t be disappointed by the likes of dark chocolate and sea-salt ganache with sesame brittle and tahini ice cream or apricot and white chocolate Pavlova.
Beer drinkers will find a selection of ales on tap, while wine drinkers will be pleased by a list that’s been compiled in partnership with local wine wholesaler Hermitage Cellars.