Visited this lovely pub for
Visited this lovely pub for the first time in August 2011. Everything about it was right. Warm, friendly, old-fashioned in decor - but above all, it still feels like a pub.
Location: Uckfield Road, Ringmer, Lewes, East Sussex, BN8 5RX
Overview: “Well cooked, reasonably priced, homemade traditional pub classics served with a smile and a frothing pint makes The Cock Inn the stuff of country pub legend. With an ample beer garden and generous indoor fire place, this pub is a fantastic choice come rain or shine – just make sure you leave plenty of room for pudding!”
Located in a leafy Cul-de-sac off the Uckfield Road from Lewes, I’ve often driven past The Cock Inn hoping to one day investigate this delightful looking country gem. Taking a rare day off work to enjoy the last of the summer sun, I headed over to Ringmer for one last alfresco pub lunch before winter has its wicked way.
The property has ample parking and ascending the short flight of stairs at the front, leads you to the large hedge-rowed beer garden, which is divided into three sections. Considering it was Monday lunchtime, the garden was absolutely bustling with retired and off-work folk – enjoying the weather over a few beers.
As you walk in, it’s hard to ignore the countless CAMRA and Good Pub Guide stickers which adorn the front window – a seal of approval and promise of good times ahead, with ales from Harveys, Hammerpot and Tongham (Surrey) amongst the beverages on offer.
The building itself is centuries old and packed with ambience and charm. Low ceilings, wooden beams and a general wonky feel house pewter tankards and dimpled pint pots hanging from hooks, a huge bar side fire place which in winter months must be a real draw and a warren of various eating areas, providing a good amount of covers (booking in advance might be advisable judging by how busy it was for an October Monday).
Next to the bar is a big chalk board menu, scrawled with traditional pub favourites such as gammon, eggs/pineapple, chips and peas (£8.95), homemade steak and ale pie (£10.25) and glazed trio of Sussex lamb chops (£13.75). The vegetarian options also look great featuring brie, hazelnut, mushroom and cranberry parcel with red wine, mushroom and tomato sauce (£9.95) and vegetable lasagne, garlic bread and green salad (£8.95).
A ‘who's who’ of classic British puddings forms the bulk of dessert menu, with favourites such as homemade apple pie, spotted dick, treacle tart, banoffee pie and sticky toffee and date sponge with treacle sauce – all £4.95.
After a short wait a friendly member of staff takes my order. Tiger prawns in garlic butter (£5.95) to start and the aforementioned gammon as main course – alongside a lovely pint of lager shandy... magic.
The starters arrive in good time and look great. Three meaty tiger prawns speckled with garlic and chilli, a leaf salad and slice of buttered wholemeal bread. The prawns are perfectly cooked, succulent and sweet – with the lovely garlic butter oozing through. The homemade granary bread which accompanied was delicious and the dressing which coated the salad was stunning – so much so that I was actually tempted to eat the plate itself.
Another short wait and the main courses arrive. A generous plate of crispy fluffy centred chips, fresh, well cooked eggs, garden peas and a really tasty, juicy gammon steak. Silence descends and by the time I’d finished my meal I was stuffed to the rafters – pudding denied for risk of injury.
Summary
The Cock does everything right without trying to re-design the wheel. Its delicious brand of home made traditional pub favourites with seasonal, skilfully prepared specials clearly chimes with its regulars – and with many dishes coming in under the £10 mark it also offers fantastic value.
A warm welcome and a great selection of local and regional ales makes The Cock Inn a great destination rain or shine, so if you’re looking for great Sussex country pub experience without being stung by ‘gastropub’ prices then I’d recommend you get yourself over to Ringmer.