The Eight Bells in Wealden

We came here on a recommendation on a Thursday 2.00 pm lunch treat. Unfortunately it wasn’t great from the start, there wasn’t any heating apart from a struggling log burner and an electric portable, which by the way we managed to sit at the table two feet away and still debated about putting our coats back on. I ordered the roast turkey , which I was told straight away that it was turkey roll not slices of breast but I was fine with that. When it arrived it was two slices of turkey, four parsnips and a small sweet potato, hardly enough for a child, it was tasty but disappointing. So on to desert… we were both going to order the banoffee pie as it’s one of our favourites but after discussing it with the waitress and hearing that it actually came what she called “ deconstructed “ crushed biscuit in one area ice cream on another and a caremelised banana to one side.. hardly banoffee pie as I know and love we opted out and went for the crumble.. can’t go wrong with crumble we thought.. oh dear got that wrong .. who leaves the skins on the pears when making a crumble.. it’s as if the chef is changing the recipe just for the sake of it when not necessary.its a pub not fu fu restaurant.sorry didn’t take any photos.wont be returning but after this review I expect they won’t want us back.

Perfect, classy, homie! We had dinner at The Eight Bells on a Saturday evening and booked on the same day around 1:00 PM. The team was incredibly accommodating and helpful. They even called us to ensure we were aware of the road closure near the pub and to confirm they were dog-friendly, as we inquired about bringing our puppy along. The dinner was outstanding—easily one of the best dining experiences we’ve had in the UK! We started with a cheese board (officially a dessert, but perfect as a starter) and a Scottish egg, which was my first time trying it—and it was absolutely delicious. For mains, we enjoyed the Christmas specials: “Deer in a Duvet” (flavorful sausages) and turkey served with vegetables and cranberries. Every dish was cooked to perfection! The staff were wonderful, particularly Tiffany (I hope I got her name right). We were indecisive about drinks, and she kindly offered us small tasters of various beers until we found the perfect match. The meal ended on a high note with the deconstructed banoffee dessert, which was a true delicacy. We will definitely recommend this charming spot and look forward to coming back soon!

Great place to spend a chilling evening. Service is excellent and food was delicious!

The outdoor space is really nice.Great food and service and the atmosphere inside is very cosy.Highly recommended

It's not cheap and with a small menu to choose in my opinion. Burgers overpriced, portions smallish. Came out still hungry. However The beef cheeks were delicious. The chips with it were a bit sparse and the 1 bit of trimmed carrot well. It's a nice pub, but it's a pub. The staff were lovely, very attentive and couldn't do enough. Served quickly yet gave us plenty of time to choose although with the choices available wasn't difficult. Good parking. Sure some will love this place.

Warm and friendly, lovely pub food 🤤 Reasonably priced!

Was a very lovely, warm welcoming atmosphere. Food was superb and amazingly service.

Very good food. Happy and well trained staff Amazing location.. I understand why they are the best pub in Sussex. We will definitely be back

Very popular local country pub with good food and beer

We had a stunning Sunday lunch at the Eight Bells yesterday. From our arrival to departure, the service was exemplary and everything was top notch. The Sussex cheese and heritage tomato starter was stunning and my husband is still raving about his terrine today. Both roast lunches were beautifully cooked - no grey overcooked meat here - and absolutely packed with flavour. My husband even had room for the chef's take on a Banoffee pie, which originated in the village - I was stuffed by then - but he deemed it perfection. Make sure you visit if you're in the area, as you won't be disappointed - but do book a table, as the wait otherwise could be very very long! A Sussex gem.

The Eight Bells is at the vanguard of the East Sussex foodie movement. We have travelled the world in search of great food but now need look no further than Jevington. What a treat!

Food was super, beautifully cooked and presented. Service was really good, lovely waitress who took time to talk us though the menu. Not rushed, not overcrowded, just a really lovely place to eat. Dogs were welcomed and thoroughly spoilt too.

Superb Pub. Decided to try it for my birthday. Friendly staff especially Abi. Good choice of beers and the food was excellent. Cozy and warm.

Food excellent staff outstanding

Lovely place with staff that can't dobenough for you. Thoroughly recommend.

My partner and I visited here on the way back from walking and what a wonderful surprise we had. The atmosphere was just perfect and we were served by a really friendly guy called Luke who was exceptional at his job. So friendly and attentive in just the right way, which is so often hard to find. The food was all home cooked and absolutely delicious and looked as gorgeous on the plate as it felt in my tummy!!! We were also able to bring our dog so I would say this was a great little find. I would highly recommend visiting this lovely little pub. And we will definitely visit again!!

We had the most wonderful meal prepared by Head Chef Jamie. This is without doubt the best food in the area. Sublime flavours and beautifully presented. The pumpkin and miso soup was so delicious , the venison terrine gorgeous and my duck main stunning. The fish dishes my daughter chose were exceptional The eight bells also has a lovely atmosphere with a great choice of wines with great service. 10/10

Outstanding service ,great food..really top notch

Lovely atmosphere and friendly staff. Sunday visit for late lunch for 4 people. Sunday roast was good. Only criticism was the Yorkshire pudding was overcooked with a leather texture. Portion size OK, if your appetite is large, an additional side might benefit. Bowl of vegetables on the side for 2 include red cabbage, mangetout, and savoy cabbage - why half of the bowl had apple sauce when we had Chicken and beef I couldn't say but it ruined some of the vegetables. Leaving some additional gravy on the table i personally would have preferred than asking or being offered more. Pudding was OK, but crumble was way too hot to eat, and oats for topping was interesting and manageable if there was more custard. Brownies were a bit dry and odd to have creme fraiche on the side, which did not complement the dish. Why fish put on the chips I don't understand, not artistic or useful. Just makes the chips (of which there were few) damp. Although they were very nice.

Had a fabulous lunch at the Eight Bells after a great walk with the dogs in nearby Friston woods. The staff were very welcoming when we arrived and could not have been more friendly or helpful during the course of the meal. The food was fantastic, full of subtle and interesting flavours and made from top quality ingredients. The Longman Lager was really good too! We ate in the lovely pub garden which offered stunning views from our table. Will definitely visit again and would not hesitate to recommend the pub, you can see why it has won the Sussex Pub of the Year award.

We called in for lunch on a day out. The restaurant was fairly empty when we arrived, and so service was prompt.The menu looked interesting, but the actual dishes were disappointing. Of the 4 lunches the scotch egg and sausage roll were tasty but one would have expected a small side salad. The cheese and onion tart again was piping hot but ridiculously small and in a tiny dish which it was hard to eat from. Again, a side salad would have been expected. The 4th dish was a bowl of soup which was on the small side and didn't include bread. We have never been to a restaurant and charged £2 extra for bread.In conclusion, while the dishes were tasty, they all lacked something, and we thought the prices were high. £9 for a rather small soup was not justified. In addition £6 for a small bowl of chips is again pricey

Outstanding place. The service was faultless and the man at the front door very charming... Sunday lunch at it's best..will be back

Walked here from Alfriston and ate lunch. We both had the roast peach and summer berry salad and it was one of the nicest things I've ever eaten- absolutely delicious.

All good and well organised and laid out for the high number of customers who come to have lunch

Continues to provide really good nosh, great beer and great service. Even when they're busy on a Sunday lunchtime the service is excellent. Stand-out items for this meal were the roast porchetta and the pea & asparagus soup

We had an amazing experience at The Eight Bells for a family birthday. All left really impressed by the beautiful venue and homely setting. Such incredible food on offer. From the fresh bread and pickles starters, to our burger mains with homemade tomato chutney with swiss cheese and the signature banoffee pie, which is originally from Jevington. Genuinely the best meal I’ve had in a long time, cooked to perfection with generous portions for the quality you get. The service was exemplary, really responsive and accommodating. Visited on a beautifully sunny day and was able to move into the picturesque garden space after our meal, ideal for a relative who likes quieter spaces due to their needs. Definitely deserves the recent accolades as the Best Sussex Pub 2024. All looking forward to returning to try out the Sunday roast menu on our next visit.

had lunch in the garden in the sunshine, food excellent and service very good , certainly will be returning.

Charming staff, beautiful food and great settings... This is not just a pub, the people behind this have really put effort in delivering something outstanding

Fabulous pub ideally sited for walking on or around the South Downs Way. This was my second visit and, as the weather was bea,utiful, we were able to take advantage of the dining areas in the lovely gardens. Often being seated outside is a mixed blessing with the service focus being very much on the interior. This is not the case at The Eight Bells. The service is excellent. As was the food, as was the beer. In fact I would say that this is one of my all time favourite watering holes and one that I will continue to recommend to all our 'walky' friends. Can't wait for our next visit. Don't miss out on the fabulous bread with mixed pickles and you would be crazy not to choose a roast should you be there - as we were - on a Sunday.

A beautiful hidden gem, the staff were wonderful and the salad was devine filled with fruit so fresh. I will definitely be back to relax and spend a day in the glorious garden 💕

It was a bit of hit and miss, my first visit was fantastic, food was great and atmosphere. Bank holiday trip was a bit of disappointing, not a great choice of food, food and service average. I expected better for the price you pay p/p

Seriously the best food in the area. The tastiest burger I’ve ever had and would 100% recommend - I’m still thinking about the delicious homemade chutney. Absolutely beautiful restaurant in a lovely location with wonderful service. Worth every penny and will definitely be back.

Last minute booking as we were staying in a property near by and arrived in time for an evening meal. No tables inside available but we had a bench in the garden - blankets were offered to those guests that looked a bit chilly. A great view over the Downs which you couldn't see once you were seated as the hedge was a bit high. Fairy lights made for a good atmosphere once it got dark, and helped to see our food! Food was delicious and the service was good from a very friendly young lady who was looking after the garden guests single handedly.

We were very content with our dinner with superb pies and fine staff! So it's five stars!

Charming service and great food

Tasty, but it took a long time. However, there were a lot of people.

Best pub, best food, best people. So good my sister and I went back 2 days in a row and can’t wait to go back. Everyone who works there is friendly, helpful and lovely and the chef is amazing. Can’t wait to go back!

Called for lunch whilst walking in the area. There was a good choice on the menu. Quality and taste of food (especially the starters on the lunchtime set menu) was excellent. Service was a bit slow and prices on the high side for pub food but being a quiet village with limited throughput that is to be expected.

Fantastic service and amazing food. Really nice place too defo recommend sitting outside litro reset our souls.

Delicious food, 😋 pricey but worth it.

Great pub and good food. Staff were delightful. Can get very busy on sunny Sundays but still enjoyable. Will visit again sometime.

Cannot disagree with all the comments made of a positive nature. However £12.75 for a glass of warmish average Chardonnay served in a plastic goblet ( in the garden) took the smile clean off my wife's face, and if I am being honest, mine. But the food although a bit pricey was exceptional and warranted that pricey tag. Staff were attentive, professional and friendly

Beautiful place to stop for lunch, and staff was super friendly. Amazing scenery and amazing food!

Great pub need to get back to try the grub. Went back recently to eat and the food and service were exemplary. Staff even kind enough to direct me out on the road! Great place for a summers evening drink.

Booked a table for Sunday barbecue lunch for the family, 8 of us including 3 grandchildren. Courteous, friendly service, excellent barbecue perfectly cooked with a great choice. Excellent afternoon. Highly recommended.

3 stars is a bit harsh. I'd give 3.5 stars if that was possible and it's partly down to the weather, which wasn't good. Lots of rain and windy. We were seated in the marquee and we wouldn't sit there again. We'd never been to the pub before so didn't know what it would be like. We booked on a recommendation. There were holes in the marquee and the seating was picnic tables with very narrow bench seats. They did provide cushions and blanket throws but they only partly ameliorated the conditions. The service was good and the food was quite good but a very limited menu with only 2 additional specials. The soup was a cold one and other options could have been better. The weather had been unseasonably cold and wet for some time and the menu could have been adjusted to take account of that. We did enjoy the food and portions were good. Better size than the Sussex Ox, where we ate the evening before. We don't usually dine out that much but a cousin was visiting and we were celebrating a birthday.

Lovely experience great service drinks were nice a quick was booked inside we asked to sit outside was able to so great availability and accommodation food was amazing had the hake myself was cooked perfectly great combination of flavours my partner had the fish stew special she also enjoyed it very much saying it was great value both had a banoffee to finish fantastic time. would 100% recommend to anyone looking for a lovely lunch or dinner out! Well done eight bells!

Finally, a pub done right. Great food, cleverly thought out menu, and good local drinks to help wash it down! Parking is tight and should be improved

Lovely evening on our wedding anniversary. Staff are very welcoming, great food and service. Will definitely be going again

A gorgeous, charming pub along the South Downs Way. Excellent pints and the best vegan pub food we’ve ever had (mushroom steak & hearts of palm goujons are amazing)!

Delicious Sunday roast lunch with all the trimmings. The ragu stuffed Yorkshire puddings were a tasty surprise and the accompanying vegetables perfectly cooked. We came after hiking over from butts brow, and the dog joined us and was very welcome. They even gave us a table by the fireplace so she had a quiet space. Food arrived really promptly as well, and we were well fuelled to hike back over the hills after!

I am a local now after recently moving to the area. After trying out many pubs and restaurants I can say this is by far one of my favourites. The food is always amazing, with locally sourced quality ingredients, and the service and ambience are spot on. There is a also a lovely outdoor area open in the summer with glorious views and an outdoor grill for bbq menu options and lovely cocktails (if you are planning to go for the outdoor experience check ahead it is open because sometimes it is closed if the weather isn’t the best)

Lovely pub, food excellent, massive garden, BBQ at weekends, dog friendly inside and out

Excellent pub. The garden was lovely to sit in, and the food was great - I had a burger and chips. The staff were very attentive. I’d also recommend the Long Man Bitter, it was great.

Very charming village pub. Stopped off for a pint of cider after a days trekking around seven Sisters. Ended up also having some strawberry and hibiscus sorbet with popping candy on top, absolutely delicious!

Wow! The food was outstanding! The service impeccable! The atmosphere warm! The views incredible! Tempted to gate-keep this place but must share… it’s the best country pub I’ve been to in ages 🙌🏼😘 … also the staff were incredibly attentive.. you needed something and it’s like they just appeared like magic 🪄

Honestly one of the best places to eat out in East Sussex. Picked to go here for my birthday, and wouldn't pick anywhere else. Staff are kind, polite, helpful and really friendly.

I took my grandmother here for her 76th birthday today and the service was fantastic and with a massive smile. Wasn’t overpriced considering the menu was fantastic and varied and produced very well. Calum and Callum waited on us attentively and I couldn’t reccomend the service more. Thanks guys

We just stopped for coffee, friendly service and lovely views.

I have been here a couple of times and the food has always been amazing. The service today was fantastic from a lovely girl called Bridie. My nan doesn’t get out much after her stroke but she was so friendly and welcoming and we had such a lovely time. Thank you to Bridie and the team

Luke and Bridie are stars..so professional,polite and knowledgeable.e.g.menu,available spaces etc.It was Bridie's first shift..she was Bridie's first shift she did magnificently directed by Luke.The food was exemplary (bar menu..scotch egg ,sausage roll,cheese tart,chips)The setting is wondrous...set amongst fields of myriad green trees awash with horses . The environment is superb.,lots of money spent wisely.. lovely pagoda'to sit beneath Thoroughly recommend..we will return to further explore the menu. Big up 8 Bells.

8/8 bells! We had an outstanding time at the Eight Bells after a 10K walk along the South Downs. The service was immaculate with all servers smiling and attentive, the atmosphere was lovely and they were incredibly accommodating when the weather turned a little chilly, and kindly moved us inside. Now onto the food… as someone with a gluten allergy, I am always a little apprehensive, but wow, the menu has loads of options, including the best gluten & dairy free fish and chips, I have ever tasted! I was even able to have a GF ale alongside, followed by chocolate ganache, so I certainly didn’t feel like I was missing out. Incredibly attentive, warm & organised staff - thank you to Taylor our server & Phil. We’ll see you again very shortly!

The pub garden is beautiful with a scenic view. We were lucky as managed to get a table without a reservation as the pub was not busy even though was weekend. The pub is dog friendly but the dogs cannot be on the grass. The food was disappointing, I ordered the classic fish and chips and it was tasteless. The burgers were not too bad. Parking space available but were limited, we got the last 2 tidy spaces.

Lovely rural setting in beautiful surroundings. Food was cooked very well except a potato fondant that was much too salty. Head waiter acknowledged this and gave us drinks for free which was appreciated. Would recommend this place.

Organised a reunion of 8 friends for a special occasion and was delighted with our meal. Food was excellent and good value and the service was impeccable. Would highly recommend

On Saturday 11th May, my brother Malcolm Poole and I walked to The 8 bells in Jevington from Butts Lane where i live. They charged an extortionate £5.80 for a pint of Harvey's Best. The service was poor and the staff were not at all welcoming. Malcolm paid with cash. He'd had to wait about 15 minutes for his change because there was no float in the till. We went outside to find a seat. We were only allowed a table without any shade, and were told we couldn't have one of the other tables unless we were eating. All I can say is Top drawer prices. Bottom drawer service. Don't bother going there.

Had amazing Sunday lunch outside in the beautiful garden today, great food , service and lovely view over the south downs. Lovely village and great place to walk and explore from.

Enjoyed the meal, but not as good as the recommendation. Nice patio area with open views.

Great food and service excellent. Definitely will visit again soon.

A fantastic place in such a lovely part of the country. Incredible food choices with some of the best flavour combinations we've ever had, the kitchen is a stroke of genius. Excellent service that really makes you feel valued and welcome. Probably the prettiest surrounding location we have dined in, particularly in the Spring/Summer. With all of this added together, we dont think you can beat it. The Eight Bells Jevington sits easily at the top of our list.

I can see why it was voted best pub in sussex, being met immediately with a warm arrival, and small personal touches that let you know you’re in good hands. The food itself was delicious (and vegan friendly with a few good options) and it was the first weekend of their summer garden area so the live music was a treat too. I will say, the service in the second half of the meal was a bit of a let down, we had to ask multiple times for our bill, which when delivered, we had to go to the bar to pay as they forgot about us once again. Giving the benefit of the doubt with the garden opening but this is one area they could tighten up.

Group meal, minute steak was very good.

The climate and food is on another level. Amazing place, everything was just out of this world 😍😍😍 layered potatoes and fish&chips better than in any other place I tried!👌

Great food, friendly service, beautiful views, quiet music in the evening - I recommend it We ate several dishes and everything was great.

A great place to eat, we have eaten here a few times and it is always delicious.

As always a wonderful meal with great customer service and attention to detail. Food lovely and staff always courteous and helpful and a great pub.

Food was impeccable. Menu well labelled vegan and gluten free for us as well, we enjoyed everything we ate. We'll be back eight bells!

We loved the food, the service and brilliant local pub atmosphere. Good job 👏

Excellent venue in a country setting in rural Sussex. Very old pub well laid out to accommodate its popularity. Parking is tight and cars doubled up but managed very well by the staff. Food is delicious 😋 service great, atmosphere lovely. Highly recommended.

Lovely pub, lovely food. Welcoming and friendly. Would happily recommend to anyone.

I’ve literally just finished it and felt the need to review it immediately, honestly the best fish and chips I’ve ever eaten, insanely crisp batter with the most succulent pearls of fish, chips bang on and the crushed peas and homemade tartare sauce bang on too. Had a starter or beetroot chicory pickled rhubarb and burrata which was insanely delicious too. If only the standards here were more common! Don’t think just come.

Amazing food and friendly staff

Absolutely fantastic —. service, food, the lot! We were very well looked after by Corrine, Jake and Harry. Thank you all. We’ll be back!

Great unfussy dining pub in beautifully pictureque Jevington. Has a peaceful and well-tended garden to sit in, and serves high quality pub staples in double quick time. Not a gastropub by any stretch of the imagination but I don't believe it purports to be. Fabulous spot to start and/or finish a South Downs walk. Servers were top quaility, dog was welcomed and there is parking aplenty. Nothing not to like. Oh, and good choice of 4 cask ales including Harveys Best, two from the Long Man Brewery and one from Gun.

A heartfelt thank you to the team at the Eight Bells for hosting a wonderful celebration for our mum's 80th birthday in your private dining room. The food was delicious, and the service was top-notch. We felt genuinely welcomed and had a fantastic time. We'll definitely be back soon!

Discovered it by chance when we were on our way to beachy head light house. Lovely to sit outside with a view of the surroundings. It also looked cozy inside. Very tasty food, beautifully prepared and presented. Mussels were very good and even their fish and ships were very good, not too greasy. Recommended if you are in the area.

had a brilliant lunch today, food was excellent, Amy, Karin and Izzy were amazing, cheerful and attentive. Bravo !

Gorgeous food and view of fields with horse in distance. Dog friendly. Compact toilet with ill fitting seat. Loos are clean, with paper, but tatty. Apparently the peaa are crushed and not mussy and are not availble uncrushed with fish and chips.

Lovely village pub, serving great food, with views from the terrace, which we enjoyed whilst having a pre lunch drink. We went for Sunday lunch following a circular walk from Jevington, taking in Butts Brow on the way. Interesting choice of starters (scotch egg with a delicious chutney and a beetroot and burrata salad) followed by a very good roast beef and roast chicken with all the trimmings (well we had been on a good walk!). Excellent service, even on a busy lunchtime - highly recommend.

We visited after a walk.Dogs welcome.The fish & chips were absolutely delicious & so were the 3 puddings that we shared! To be repeated & highly recommended.

Amazing sausage roll. Lovely staff and a best view of the South Downs

Our third visit and as usual it didn't disappoint. Prompt and friendly service, great atmosphere and delicious food. Plus good range of real ales. A perfect stop off after a trek across Butt's Brow!

We just had a mother's day lunch in the private dining room for 9 of us. The food and service were fantastic, and we didn't feel rushed even though the whole pub was fully booked all day. Well done to all the team!

Terrible customer services , food was tasteless and badly presented, very expensive for what we got and certainly will not be returning.

Friendly staff and excellent service. The food was high quality and presented in a delightful way. Good place to stop by 🙌🏻

I've known this pub for over 40 years, and it's currently the best it's ever been. It's always had superb views and lots of potential, and usually had decent beer - now it's also got genuinely excellent food as well. The hot scotch eggs were perfect, the mushroom and chestnut soup one of the best mushroom soups I've ever had. Zero complaints - and dog friendly too, meaning the atmosphere is instantly more friendly and fun with lots of muddy paws and waggy tails.

Beautiful food, especially the dauphinois and Stilton pie, fantastic attentive staff. Reasonably priced. Would thoroughly recommend.

To be honest if I was just driving around I would have probably driven past but we booked for lunch today so had to stop 🙂. What a great little place. A chilly rainy day and we were placed near the open fire. It was busy but staff were attentive and very pleasant. The food was superb with a good gluten free choice. Place has bags of charm. Definitely a repeat visit to be had.

Fantastic Mackerel and Ricotta Pate and Venison dishes, prepared with skill and care. Great selection of real ale - Long Man’s. Nothing not to like. Great service to the table. Dog friendly. 10% gratuity added to the bill.

Welcoming, friendly and knowledgeable staff, a great selection of non alcoholic beers and fantastic fresh food. A perfect pub to visit for lunch or dinner, especially after a local walk. We'll be back to visit in the summer and hopefully sit in the lovely looking pub garden.