Countryside spots, perfect for summer dining

Who with? The in-laws
When? After a long country walk
Ambience? Plush country pub popular with writers and walkers, farmers and farriers.
The details: Situated at the foot of Firle Beacon, The Ram Inn has a beautiful walled garden and an orchard, as well as a large pub garden, where the only thing to detract from the serenity is the sound of wood on willow from the nearby cricket ground.

The Shepherd & Dog
The Street, Fulking, 01273 857382

Who with? Cyclists
When? Sunday afternoons
Ambience? Former cottage with low ceilings and beams, and an idyllic garden next to a downland spring.
The details: The evergreen pub is now listed on the CAMRA Real Ale Trail and it is the brewery tap for Downlands Brewery. Its location on the western side of the village makes it an ideal stop-off point for a pint on a ride on the lower slopes at the foot of Devil’s Dyke.

Stanmer House
Stanmer Park, Brighton, 01273 680400

Who with? Urban family
When? After a walk in Stanmer Park
Ambience? Grand surroundings but informal atmosphere.
The details: Right in the heart of the park, the Grade I-listed mansion has a large garden to the rear and can’t be beaten for view and ambience. Recently opened to the public by Whiting & Hammond, kids and dogs are now as welcome as wedding parties and conference crowds.

The Griffin Inn
Fletching, 01825 722890

Who with? A date
When? For the night
Ambience? Well-heeled crowd in a traditional Sussex inn.
The details: A beautiful terrace and garden with views to the Downs in the distance and to Sheffield Park in the foreground. There’s a wood oven on the terrace and a spit-roast barbecue on summer Sundays. Thirteen bespoke en-suite rooms make it worth staying the night.

The Crabtree
Lower Beeding, 01403 892666

Who with? Family
When? Anniversaries, birthdays, celebrations – there’s plenty of room for parking.
Ambience? Well-priced, top-notch food in an unpretentious atmosphere.
The details: The man who paved the way for a vegetarian food revolution in Brighton with Food For Friends shares his pioneering ways at this ancient and charming country restaurant. There are views from the back garden to Lancing College’s great hall and all the food is from within a 20-mile radius.

The Ginger Fox
Muddleswood Road, Albourne, 01273 857888

Who with? Meat lovers
When? Sunday lunch
Ambience? City-style dining in country pad, with a thatched roof, and exposed beams, walls and fireplaces.
The details: Another of Brighton chef Ben McKellar’s creations, The Ginger Fox is his vision of country dining mixed with his love for meat, making for rarefied roasts. There’s a beautiful beer garden, a children’s play area, raised bed vegetable gardens and views of the Downs.

The Rose Cottage Inn
Alciston, 01323 870377

Who with? Fellow ramblers
When? For a ploughmans lunch halfway round.
Ambience? A sleepy pub in a sleepy village – except for the resident parrot called Jasper.
The details: A pair of hanging-tile stone cottages with three small rooms and a tiny bar serving real ale on tap and hearty grub. There’s a pretty terrace where you can kick off the walking boots and eat al fresco, plus eggs for sale, hanging hops and a feel that the place hasn’t changed in decades.

The Tiger Inn
The Green, East Dean, 01323 423209

Who with? Grandparents
When? Afternoon constitutional
Ambience? English idyll, with views over the village green.
The details: The Tiger Inn has been serving farmers, soldiers, walkers, smugglers, lovers and brewers since the 16th century. It is now run by Beachy Head Brewery, whose award-winning real ales are brewed in the village and include the Legless Rambler, and has some of the best views in the county.

The Hiker’s Rest
Saddlescombe Farm, Saddlescombe Road, Brighton

Who with? Hikers, of course
When? Mid-ramble
Ambience? Busy working farm which serves its own produce.
The details: The Hiker’s Rest is on the South Downs Way and is another stop-off lunch point with a history which dates to the Domesday Book. The grub – organic, homemade light lunches, soups, cakes and cream teas – is served in the lovingly redeveloped old barn and tea shop.

The Anchor Inn
The Old Mill, Barcombe Mills, Barcombe, 01273 400414

Who with? Water babies
When? Before a saunter along the riverside path.
Ambience? River views of happy rowers, plus herons, kingfishers, swans and cormorants.
The details: The Anchor Inn has boating rights over a most beautiful stretch of the River Ouse – from the Anchor Inn to Fish Ladder Falls below Sutton Hall. A round boating trip takes two hours, by which time you’ll be ready to lunch in the garden.

The Half Moon
Ditchling Road, Plumpton, 01273 890253

Who with? The family
When? After a hike atop Ditchling Beacon or a day at Plumpton races.
Ambience? 200-year-old traditional country pub serving gastro food.
The details: The pristine garden has a perfect setting at the foot of the Downs, midway between Lewes and Ditchling. As a rule it is drinks only outdoors (unless they’ve fired up the barbecue), which is ideal for the forthcoming Half Moon Beer Festival weekend, from Friday, August 16, to Sunday, August 18.

Tottington Manor Hotel
Edburton, Henfield, 01903 815757

Who with? A date
When? Slap-up meal or birthday dinner
Ambience? Newly refurbished country pile restaurant in stunning location.
The details: Seven secret bunkers set up by Churchill’s secret Auxiliary Unit are under Tottington Manor, with tunnels and escape routes into the fields. Nowadays the only invaders are the sheep who trundle across the horizon and spectacular views. The à la carte menu has classic dishes, while fish lovers will enjoy the dedicated seafood menu.