The short review here is that you MUST book a table in advance. This is the longer version. We were doing a fairly long country walk in the area last Friday and had decided to pop into the pub for a pint and a sandwich at lunchtime. It hadn't occurred to us to book because you don't book ahead for a sandwich, do you? When we arrived there was a sign outside saying you must book a table in advance. There were two people at the bar who had been offered the last table but they said they would eat outside so we thought we could also sit outside or even have this last table. However, another server dealt with us and she said there were no tables free and no, we couldn't have any food if we hadn't booked, not even outside. We pleaded that we were doing a walk so couldn't realistically get food anywhere else. No change. We asked if there was a nearby shop. No there wasn't. So, we had a pint and a packet of crisps and a very hungry walk back home. (The beer was very good, by the way, and the food we saw inside the pub looked wonderful - perhaps because we were so hungry!) I have every sympathy with the pub if they do not have enough staff but imagine the review I would have given if the server had said something like, "Oh gosh, you're walking. I can't let you go off without anything. I could get a couple of slices of bread and a hunk of cheese - would that do?" Yes it certainly would have done. So - if you book I'm sure you will have a wonderful time and a 5 star experience. But this was our 2 star experience.

Have been here a few times quite a while ago and somehow struggled to find it today through a number of tight country lanes. However, the pub is very nice. Sat in quite a big garden with lots of tables in the sunshine. Pot's bitter, not to my taste! Looked like the food was good from what I could see. Believe it's a 3 star accommodation also.

Great food, atmosphere, dog friendly pub. Garden at the back but we didn’t go there so cannot comment. Large variety in menu, something for everyone. Definitely worth a visit.

Brilliant. Great big garden with loads of tables and umbrellas; food for our Sunday lunch was top restaurant grade quality and portions were generous; beer was local and well kept and people serving were fantastic. Can sit out front and watch world go by (quiet lane) or out back in large garden. Perfect.

A lunchtime visit with friends, on a gloriously sunny afternoon. A magnificent rack of ribs in a very tasty sauce, followed by an unctious strawberry and raspberry mess. As is not unknown for us, we were last to leave, and enjoyed a leisurely conversation with the three generations of the owner's family and their cat! Fully recommend and looking forward to a return meal before long.

Had a delicious Sunday lunch at the Hawkley Inn. Food was fantastic, with generous portion sizes and the selection of ales and lagers was a breath of fresh air. Staff were very friendly. Would happily go again 👍

Called in for a quick drink but ended up staying for a roast, so glad we did excellent service, friendliest staff and the best roasted we’ve had out. Good value for money definitely worth a visit.

In the middle of absolutely no where, lovely scenery with some lovely walks. The building is absolutely beautiful and the garden is lovely. ---------- The food was very very nice - we highly recommend their sausage & onion sandwich. -------- Service was stellar, thanks Grace!

Pubs wax and wane over the years. This one has kept a good standard for a long time. Eight of us had a meal last night…Excellent! Great service too from all staff. Love the older chap with a great, dry sense of humour.

I met a colleague for lunch midweek. What a lovely dining experience. Amazing menu, lovely beer and great staff. Looking forward to coming back again. My location rating may be a bit low, as I don't know the area and didn't see anything outstanding about the immediate area. That said, there were several walkers in the pub, so there may be great walks nearby?

Situated in stunning historic countryside. Wonderful staff, fabulous food! Rooms are spacious, so comfortable and the bathtub was amazingly huge. A truly relaxing Inn. Highly recommend. Thank you to all the staff. A real gem in the South Downs National Park. ❤️

Only visited for a meal, not a stay, so can't comment on the rooms. The food however is excellent. Beware the large portions if you are planning on having a dessert. The staff are very friendly. Highly recommended.

A superb village pub. We were warmly greeted by mine host who was interested in us. There was a fire roaring and a very cosy atmosphere. Great beers and the best Shepherds Pie I’ve eaten outside my home. Highly recommended

Great village pub and a Free House too. The food and drink are wonderful. Very much worth the beautiful drive out. The narrow lanes are not for the faint-hearted who do not wish to dirty their tyres or do not remain aware for passing places. Been here before. Will be back again

A great pub with a selection of local real ales. The food is excellent, but you better book in advance as the tables fill very quickly. The rooms are very comfortable with a full breakfast included. We will be back

Beautiful setting for a lovely, traditional British pub. Beer was great, the food was even better. Sea bass was delicious.

Lovely pub, so cosy yet amazing food and friendly staff. Great children's menu too.

Excellent food with great selection of ales. Would visit again. Scenic walks around the area.

Visited the pub after a walk in the local hangars for a well deserved pint and bowl of chips. It's a lovely place with plenty of seating in the beer garden, that is well sheltered from any wind, so I imagine it is a nice sun trap in the warmer months. We were fortunate enough to be able to sit outside in comfort in January and were served probably the best chips I've ever had. Looking forward to visiting again and trying something else from the menu, the bar has already been set very high by our experience so far 😁

Great experience we had a very nice roast would have preferred more exciting greens because pub with nice separate dining areas for large groups.

Best Pup in England. We are a group from Germany with 17 people and hard many times the best dinner and service in GB! We are always coming back.

Great little find. The food was delish and the staff efficient but good fun. The halloumi burger was spot on!! Dogs welcome inside and out, which is great with so many local walks.

Only stopped in for a post walk drink. The staff were friendly and welcoming. The menu looked lovely. Shame for us it was fully booked for the evening so we couldn't dine.

Great range of beers & very welcoming staff. Beautiful countryside. Going back tomorrow to try the food, can't wait! Ticks all the boxes!

Lovely rural setting. Very busy, inconsistencies with customer service with different servers. Had a table for 5 for Sunday Roast the shared vegetable portions were small and we all couldn't have a portion of each. Roast potatoes were awful however the rest of the meal was OK, the star of the show was the gravy, although when asking for an additional jug you would of thought id asked for gold dust! Sticky toffee Pudding was tasty but only lukewarm & no option for custard. The atmosphere was good but the place feels a bit tired, threadbare rugs etc

Only popped in for a drink, but it was lovely. Great atmosphere and although I didn't have any food, but as it was being served it smelled and looked absolutely delicious. I think I'll be going back for a meal soon.. watch out for the next review!

After the funeral of my dear sister it was a breath of fresh air to go to this beautiful Inn. The food was really wonderful. Staff were very attentive and friendly. We were not rushed in any way and were made very welcome. If I was in area again would definitely go back

Stopped by for lunch with friends. A truly rural pup which we thought was great. The welcome and service was very good. Prices were a tad above average but the food was miles above average. We thought it was good value and the visit was a great experience.