Poco in Wealden

We had a brilliant lunch here today. The food was all delicious - far better than a lot of meals we’ve had in Italy. The namesake Poco pasta was particularly good. Some lovely local Sussex sparkling wine. The staff were really friendly and welcoming too. We had our 5 month baby with us which doesn’t usually get you the warmest reception but they were very hospitable. Would highly recommend!

Wow, what a special place. This was our first visit to Poco and definitely won’t be our last. From the moment we arrived until the moment we left we were very well looked after. We had our 6 month old baby and four month old puppy in toe, and the team could not have been more accommodating. The food was exquisite and the wine and bubbles were incredible. Jamie is lovely and really knows his stuff, his recommendations were on point. The excitement for what he has here is so apparent and it’s catching. Despite having a full restaurant, we felt like we were the only people there with the amount of care and attention the staff paid to us. The concept of sharing tables is rare in the UK, but we love it and it adds another special element to the night. Thank you for a wonderful evening, we’re still talking about what an amazing time we had!

The pasta making workshop was amazing and wow that ragu was so delicious! Would definitely recommend.

Welcoming ambience, enhanced by inoffensive live acoustic music early evening and a convivial host. Be aware tables are 'table d'hôtes'; good for parties of 8+, not so good for 'tête à tête'. Fare is a small selection of antipasti, primi e dolce, the cost-effective components of a traditional italian meal (sensa secundi) well done. By day, Poco is a wine emporium so wine is the main event. Should you enjoy your wine and wish to take some home, just check you're not charged corkage because 'the computer says no'. Overall enjoyable, if reassuringly expensive.

Such a great little restaurant. The staff are awesome and very knowledgable about the food and wines. The truffle spaghetti was mindblowingly good. The 12 hour Beef Shin Ragu Tagliatelle was so incredibly scrumptious. Definitely will be returning!!

Absolutely first class in every way. Exceptional food, service and brilliant atmosphere. Highly reccomend!

As an ex-restaurateur, I have to admit I am a little fussy. But I couldn't fault this place! Fabulous service, knowledgeable waiting staff, clean and aesthetic cutlery and glassware. A full restaurant and wonderful atmosphere. The live music was subtle and a perfect extra touch. We started with bubbles from South Africa, one of the nicest sparkling wines I've tried. The Italian red wine that followed was just as delicious. The food was exquisite, all of us agreed. Homemade pasta cooked 'al dente' to perfection. I'm vegetarian and there were also vegan options. My family enjoyed crab ravioli and beef ragu tagliatelle. We also recommend the cheese board to finish. What a find! You will not be disappointed.

Been here a few months ago and had a lovely impressive experience. A return tonight left us feeling frustrated and a bit flat! Inexperienced staff, other tables left unattended not even having a menu offered for ages had us feeling on edge! If you are in the main room (rooms are split) the focus is on you. If however in the antiroom, you are as it would appear, left to chance!

We had high hopes for Poco in Alfriston, especially after hearing so much about its charm and culinary promise. The service was very friendly and attentive, and the ambience was very cosy, making us feel right at home. The chicken liver pate was excellent and a highlight of our meal. However, we found the wine to be quite expensive. More disappointingly, the pasta dishes, which are their nucleus, did not deliver. They were either overcooked or the sauce lacked richness. While there are some positives, the key elements of our dining experience fell short of our expectations.

A little taste of Italy. Wow. This restaurant offers a truly special dining experience. The menu is concise but packed with flavor, showcasing the best of Italian cuisine. The wine list is impressive, with a carefully selected range that complements the food perfectly. Owner Jamie is passionate about his restaurant and shares his enthusiasm with diners. His knowledge of Italian wines is extensive and he is happy to share stories about his travels and sourcing process. His friendly demeanor creates a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. The intimate setting is charming, and while sharing a table might not be everyone's preference, it can add to the overall experience. It's a great opportunity to meet new people and enjoy lively conversation. Overall, this restaurant is a hidden gem that offers exceptional food, wine, and hospitality.

Delicious food, especially the ragú. Great atmosphere. It was our wedding anniversary and our very special day was spent in wandering around lovely Alfriston and enjoying our relaxing meal at Poco.

We had a delicious lunch at Poco. Wonderful, authentic Italian cuisine, freshly made with superb flavours. The wine is very nice and plenty of choice! We took a bottle home with us because we had enjoyed it so much. I would highly recommend Poco, a small independent business that everyone should visit for quality cuisine and service. We will certainly be returning.

Fantastic restaurant with delicious food, amazing pasta and excellent choice of wine. Locally sourced delicious ingredients and the meal was very good value for such quality unique fine dining. Atmospheric old pub in charming picturesque Sussex village. The service and hospitality is exceptional. The chef, host and sommelier Jamie is a genius and very kind He is hands on in the kitchen insistng that every plate is perfect and his knowledge of the large collection of international wines is very impressive. He personally ensures you have an awesome dining experience. I cannot wait to go back! My new favourite place in the British Isles.

Very nice ambiance and delicious food! Highly recommended.

Wonderful place ideally located on the main street, with vegan options. Dog friendly. Park for free in the main car park, maybe 4 mins walk away?

We came in with high hopes & was really looking forward to dinner after seeing positive feedbacks on Trip advisor. Disappointed for the following reasons: Ragu was delicious, but for a restaurant who claims to specialise in fresh pasta, the Tagliatelle was clearly over-cooked & in clumps when picked up with the fork! The 'Insalata Di Panzanella' arrived drenched in 'oil'!!!??? didnt have any balance of Balsamic Vinegar or Lemon as you would normally have in a well balanced dressing with seasoning. We booked a table for 2 & when arrived v surprised to be told we had to sit on a huge table for around 12 people, it would have been nice to have been notified beforehand. My Spaghetti Truffle dish was seriously lacking flavour! Couldnt even taste the Truffle. One of the most surprising moments of the eve was when we were sampling 2 wines. After finishing tasting the first wine, the owner poured the 2nd wine in the same glass, which still had remnants of the previous wine in it. We have eaten in restaurants all over the world & have never seen this happen before. Just little note also, my husband actually had piece of cork in his wine glass! The owner seemed a pleasant chap & hopefully will take on board our feedback.

We came in with high hopes & was really looking forward to dinner after seeing positive feedbacks on Trip advisor. Disappointed for the following reasons: Ragu was delicious, but for a restaurant who claims to specialise in fresh pasta, the Tagliatelle was clearly over-cooked & in clumps when picked up with the fork! The 'Insalata Di Panzanella' arrived drenched in 'oil'!!!??? didnt have any balance of Balsamic Vinegar or Lemon as you would normally have in a well balanced dressing with seasoning. We booked a table for 2 & when arrived v surprised to be told we had to sit on a huge table for around 12 people, it would have been nice to have been notified beforehand. My Spaghetti Truffle dish was seriously lacking flavour! Couldnt even taste the Truffle. One of the most surprising moments of the eve was when we were sampling 2 wines. After finishing tasting the first wine, the owner poured the 2nd wine in the same glass, which still had remnants of the previous wine in it. We have eaten in restaurants all over the world & have never seen this happen before. Just little note also, my husband actually had piece of cork in his wine glass! The owner seemed a pleasant chap & hopefully will take on board our feedback.

We went for Sunday lunch it was absolutely amazing, everything was cooked to perfection and full of flavour . From the minute we arrived we felt extremely welcome and the whole team were super friendly and attentive, they took time to discuss everything including the wine options of which there are plenty. .. this type of restaurant is hard to find they have every base covered, we will definitely be back to try more delicious food We thoroughly recommend .

Et sjarmerende lokale, nydelig mat og sjarmerende service. Her likte vi oss godt. De praktiserer flere rundt store bord, så sittingen blir sosial. Maten lages på kjøkkenet, og var veldig god.

Rip up your flight tickets to Italy and go to Poco instead for the most delicious food, wonderful atmosphere and the most lovely staff. There is nothing more satisfying than unexpectedly coming across a real gem of a place and this place really is the gold standard of what going out for dinner should be. Couldn’t have enjoyed it more, don’t think, just go and be as delighted as we were. Thank you so much James and team!

Wonderful evening at this wine bar/ restaurant in rustic Alfriston. Two doors away from the famous Star Inn and a few miles from Rathfinnay Vineyard and Long Man brewery. A valley of plenty. Poco has a full range of wines from £20 to £800 a bottle. Corkage is £10 to have this with your meal. It is a beautiful restaurant with old beams and some communal tables. Mostly pasta dishes with well sourced ingredients. I have included their menu. Friendly and knowledgeable staff include Kasia and Agata. We will be back.

Fantastic authentic Italian food from start to finish with excellent wine and service...we will be back SOON!

An absolute gem of a place - wonderful food and a peachy wine list, all served by a lovely team. Highly recommended.

Great experience at this fantastic little gem located in Alfriston. We were made to feel really welcome by the team and Jamie is clearly passionate about the wine and food. The food was incredible. I had beef shin tagliatelle ragu and my wife the ravioli di cacio pepe e pesto di aglio selvatico. Both dishes were outstanding. The Sussex cheese board was the icing on the cake. Thanks for a great experience!

What a gem! Beautiful Italian home cooking, really interesting wines, run by people who love food and hospitality. Panzanella, carbonara, cacio e pepe and the limoncello sorbet dessert were all excellent.

A very special Sunday roast - the best you'll ever have. Bottomless refills, and fabulous flavours. More than a meal, an occasion. You need to fill your life with memories like this.

Absolutely amazing. The whole experience was perfect. It's a beautiful place, wonderful huge home made wooden tables that you share with other diners. The menu is small and perfectly formed. Happy carnivores with beef shin ragu and veggies with courgette carbonara. It was pasta done perfectly. The wine list is amazing and Jamie the owner clearly knows his wares and takes huge pleasure in helping you choose. The host and staff were all helpful and knowledgeable. Oh so very good, thank you.

We had the most amazing birthday dinner here yesterday. Jamie was the perfect host, told us everything about the wines we've tasted and the food was incredible. You haven't tasted Tiramisu until you had theirs! Extra stars for being dog friendly :)

Been dying to dine at Poco for ages, and we finally had a child free date night to go! I had high expectations, and it did not disappoint. My husband is vegetarian and there were great options for him. The food was incredible! Fresh, unique and met expectations in relation to the cost. Would definitely visit again soon!

Lovely little place, great food and some of the best rosé I've been lucky to taste. Would highly recommend.

Christina & James have nailed the balance of an intimate yet incredible experience in such a beautiful space. The hospitality from both was amazing, wine knowledge and ethos is fab. Food delicious. Would definitely recommend and return.

We have been to Poco 3 times now and it is our go to for a special meal. The food is delicious, and personally I don’t find it expensive for the quality and local ingredients on offer. We love everything on the menu, which although small you can tell is intentional and well considered. My only note would be to consider some more non-alcoholic drink options as most diners will be driving to get to Alfriston.

I have been several times and every single time , every single bite is perfection. From the starters to desserts. The food is flawless ! James is also the perfect host! We love poco

The Sunday Italian roast exceeded our expecattions! But what's even better, the serveice was excellent - everyone took such a good care of us in such a sweet way, I will remember it for long time! Extremeley pleasand experince! Thank you wholeheartedly! Paula

An absolute gem in the heart of Alfriston. Incredible Italian food and an exceptional wine list. Service was top notch too. Can't wait to come back.

Amazing food, service, atmosphere, couldn’t recommend enough!

I went for dinner here a few months ago with a friend. The food was lovely (if a bit insanely expensive (£100 for two of us, no starter, just one drink each), but where isn’t these days). The service was great, food was good, atmosphere nice. The problem was with the owner (maitre d’? Manager?), nice enough bloke but must have interrupted our conversation over half a dozen times for a range of random reasons, just to make conversation with us, which sounds innocent enough, sure, but we were trying to catch up and he kept muscling in. It was kinda weird. I was nine months pregnant at the time and he kept asking questions about my pregnancy, plans for birth, offering unsolicited baby name ideas etc, and making comments about the size of my bump. He then recounted the story of his own child’s birth, complete with gory details, all the while my sorbet was melting and my friend and I had totally lost track of our conversation. He meant well but it was really irritating. Be warned if you want an intimate dinner and don’t want to be interrupted!

We had a marvellous time at Poco with all our family, including the dog, at lunchtime today. Everything, from the wonderful attentive service, to the exemplary Italian food, was absolutely perfect. Thank you. Our favourite restaurant ever. Ali and family

Poco was super impressive, the food, atmosphere and service were impeccable. It was so refreshing to find such a gem in Alfriston. Would highly recommend.

We had a lovely evening at poco and tasted many exquisite wines - we took a bottle of our favourite home with us. Really great knowledgeable staff/owners and a welcoming and cosy atmosphere - we can’t wait to return to try the food, which I hear is incredible too. Thanks for a lovely evening Poco!

We came to enjoy the Italian influenced roast dinner and it did not disappoint! Sublime flavours and enjoyed the family style. The best roast we’ve eaten out with an excellent selection of wines. The restaurants decor is also stunning. Would highly recommend.

Delicious Sunday roast dinner. Everything was perfectly cooked, fresh. Best roast dinner we've ever had. Service was excellent and beautiful wine too.

Amazing! This place is a gem. Lucky Alfriston.

Fabulous food, incredible choice of wines and wonderful friendly atmosphere

What a little gem of a restaurant this place is! We happened upon it when looking for somewhere for a spot of Sunday lunch and boy were we in for a treat! The restaurant is small and cosy, built in one of the many beautiful old buildings in Alfriston. We received a warm greeting and were given a brief history of the place before told about their take on the Sunday roast which involves a whole load of amazing meats, vegetables and sides being provided to the table for you to help yourself. The meat, pork and lamb, was amazing and the vegetables were incredible as well. Special shout-out to the roast potatoes and creamed leaks. The wine choices are extensive and we chose a couple of excellent ones to accompany the meal. After gorging ourselves on the main course we just about had room for the chocolate tort for dessert, which again was incredible. I can’t recommend this place highly enough, a great addition to the Alfriston dining options.

I had heard nothing but fabulous things about Poco and finally got a chance to go for a late Sunday lunch and it was a roast dinner on the menu which we were thrilled about. As an Italian restaurant you may have hesitations about their roast dinner but my god the best roast I've probably ever had. Me and my partner cannot stop talking about it.it really was sensational! It was £60 for the both of us to have the unlimited roast with hoards of the most incredible lamb! Get there early as they did have pork also which the owner described and it sounded out of this world! The atmosphere in there was so comforting, I've never felt more at home in a public restaurant and even got to meet the owners beautiful baby granddaughter Pepper who just topped off our perfect evening. Thank you again for the wonderful food, conversation and company, it really was everything and more and we will be back to try the Italian menu for sure!! You must go! It's amazing

We visited for the Italian style Sunday roast feast. we were greeted by the friendly staff and told we would be eating the best roast in Sussex and I would say they didn’t disappoint! The roast is served on platters on the table which is fun to share with everyone. The meat was absolutely sensational, so juicy and fresh. Other highlights were the crispy potatoes, and creamy garlic leeks. The wine selection is very wide and the staff were very knowledgable on everything. I look forward to coming back to try and normal menu!

Amazing experience… lovely owners and chef - the wines are also superb. We will be coming back for more!

Superb meal and service, excellent selection of wines, relaxed and friendly atmosphere. 👌

Delicious and great atmosphere Came here for Sunday roast Definitely coming back!

Excellent home cooked Italian food, superbly sourced wine, great welcome from the owner

An incredible Sunday afternoon feast, wonderful wine, brilliant service and a lovely atmosphere!

Walked past here a couple of weeks ago and couldn’t wait to return to try it. Booked the table on a Friday and on the Saturday morning had a call from the chef checking I was aware of the launch of their Sunday roast and talking me through all the options to ensure I was happy with them. We all (two vegetarians and one meat eater) had the roast options and were amazed. The roast potatoes were some of the best I’ve ever eaten and the cheesy leeks were phenomenal. It’s pricey but with unlimited top ups I defy you to leave there hungry. The staff were incredibly friendly and accommodating (even tho we had a screaming baby) and the food was faultless. Can’t wait to return to try the pasta!

Such a special place. Not only is the food beautiful and so so delicious but the atmosphere and owners are so warm and welcoming. We all encountered quite a moment during our meal with a car accident on the street and whilst the owners were noticeably shaken up they still went above and beyond to ensure we had the best meal and best experience. They’re so knowledgeable about the food and the extensive wine list. This place is truly special.

A particular window table that seats 6, was reserved two days earlier, in person for a special family occasion. When arriving on schedule at 6 pm, the exact reservation time, our party was surprised to find out that the requested and reserved table was given to another group and our party was assigned a table in the rear doldrums of this small restaurant. This is obviously unacceptable and has ruined our family get together, forcing us to move to another establishment. This reflects on the integrity of the management, which is an important part of the dining experience. For this reason I have to give a low rating, regardless of the quality of the food that may come out of the small kitchen.

In theory offered much, but in practice fell far short of our expectations. For two people, the choice is to share tables, which is fine, but if you want a bit of privacy, then the bench and stool in the window combo needs to be better. There's very little room and the stools wobble. As for the food, seriously over-priced in terms of quality. The signature 'poco' was stodgy, bland, uninteresting and the pasta was overcooked. For the price, it seriously needs refining. Also, for such high cost, £12 each, the starters were underwhelming - if you're only offering two choices, then they need to be seriously good. And finally, a dessert that was ordered never arrived and not noticed until the bill was given and then no apology. The chocolate torte that wasn't forgotten was bland and meagre. Good intentions, but doesn't deliver. Concept takes precedence over quality, as is so often the case in this country. Incomparable in terms of cost and quality to a meal we had in Pisa this year. Finally, the wine per glass is extortionate - £8.50 seems a bit much. For two people, costing over £120, this was disappointing. In addition, the obligatory 12.5% service charge was in no way justified. Won't be returning, which is a shame because we're local.

What an excellent addition to the high street. A lot of passion and care has gone into the menu and wine lists, and it really shows. Fantastic food, lovely ambience and a great wine selection. I cannot recommend Poco more highly.

SUCH delicious food and wine, and very friendly staff in a super cosy restaurant.

Amazing! Everything I had was delicious. Many options of good wine 👌

Absolutely fantastic early evening dinner at Poco, we had two pasta dishes and a salad to share and the food was stunning! The wine was so great we bought a bottle to take home. We sat at a shared table and were surrounded by lovely people and the owners cousins, who were equally lovely to chat to. Great food, even better atmosphere and wine, highly recommend.

Went for lunch, had a mixed cheese and meat charcuterie board, it was fabulous as was the lemon sorbet. The Austrian wine was outstanding. Very dog friendly. Lived it so much have booked an evening meal later in the week 🙌

Lovely staff and the best wines...

Amazing food - really high quality, fresh and so tasty. Lovely service and a good choice of wine. Would highly recommend - a great addition to Alfriston.

A hidden gem! Incredible experience at the Poco. Who would have thought in such a remote setting, that this would be the best meal we had during our week holiday in England. The staff is very friendly and committed. We ate the charcuterie, from free-range pigs in the area. Magnificent. Also the pasta dish «the poco» was outstanding. Great wine pairings with local and wines from abroad. We finished off an incredible meal with the tiramisu, that we finished in seconds, even though we were full. I would go back in a heartbeat. The owner, Jamie, is taught from his Italian family through generations, and it shows. With a great team helping him, and charming and tasteful furnishings, this was an unforgettable experience . Thank you!

I know it's each to their own, but I really don't get the rave reviews for Poco. Very limited menu - three pasta dishes, one risotto, cheese board, charcuterie board, and three desserts - and all the wines priced exactly the same... which is very odd. We went on a Saturday night and the staff kept trying to clear our plates, even though we obviously hadn't finished. One thing you should also know is that the tables are shared; if there are just two of you, you may well end up on bar stools in the window, which is not the appropriate ambiance for a meal, and one that came to over £100 for very basic fare with wine. We wouldn't return.

Tasty food, great wine, a lovely place to come with friends or family. Highly recommend the beef shin pappardelle if they have it on the menu!

Situated in the picturesque village of Alfriston, Poco is a very good addition to the various dining options. The menu is Italian and kept very simple with only a few starters, pastas, and deserts. This allows the focus to be on high-quality food, which it is!! Poco has a very wide selection of wine by the bottle, which you can go browse around for yourself, pick the bottle you like and take it to your table. Service is very friendly. Literally, the staff treats you like a friend and makes you feel at home. Finally, the interior has a story to tell of its own. Ask the restaurant owner about the wood of the tables and cupboards. It is an amazing story! I highly recommend Poco. When you visit Alfriston, you have to go and taste their menu. You will not be disappointed.

Was wir ein aussergewöhnliches Restaurant! Die Entdeckung ❤️

My wife and I loved this place on our vacation to the UK in May. I think we wandered in on their opening week and we were greeted with the greatest service. We just had coffee and dessert, both were excellent. We’ll have to come back to Alfriston for wine and dinner next time!

Loverly stop off for coffee. Worth a visit the food menu looks amazing. Recommended.

An hidden gem with amazing food. I Highly recommend this lovely place, beautiful homemade pasta dishes, delicious desserts and superb wine.

Ended up calling in on a Thursday night after an evening walk. These guys really know what they are doing. Service was excellent. Wines were excellent, pasta was excellent. Dessert was excellent. Coffee was excellent. I'm sure this is going to be a welcome asset to the village and I hope they have a long and prosperous tenure. Good luck and thank you. We'll be back.