The best restaurants serving British food in South East

This is a lovely old pub with a probably 1980/90s hotel extension on the side. Friendly reception and waiting staff. Fairly minimalist old school breakfast although my eggs Benedict (oddly with bacon rather than ham) was tasty and well cooked. I didn’t eat in the restaurant so can’t really comment. The public rooms are older worlde characterful but the general feel of the bedrooms is dated (stained dark wood, chipped furniture, not enough power points, poorly sealing windows, particularly a problem if you are facing the A34 trunk road). Attempts have been made to update (nice bed throws and a capsule coffee machine in the rooms) but it can’t hide the reality. The place needs investment to gut it and bring up to date. Perfectly usable but not a “destination” or up to international standards.

We were warmly welcomed and offered drinks from a great selection. The roast dinner was really delicious and my request for extra gravy was met! Puddings were also lovey. All the staff were friendly and nothing was too much trouble. Would thoroughly recommend.

Popped in while staying at the nearby Premier Inn. Had some lovely food and real ale. Nice welcoming pub with very nice food. So much so that we went back the following night before heading home.

Love this pub. It’s a proper proper pub with good pub food and ale. Thank you for keeping it as a proper pub and no nonsense!

Well, it all started when we came to the front door and the bar man was so unwelcoming he may as well of told us to leave before we entered. To say the least it was a disappointment. However the bar ladies was very nice. What a shame the barman’s unwelcoming behaviour overshadowed the bar lady wonderful customer service. It would a much better pub with out him in my opinion.

Prices were higher than the online menu that we looked at before we visited. The food was nothing special but the prices were restaurant level. It wasn’t really worth the extra money compared with food in local pubs. Gluten free options advertised were not available and a second choice had to be made. This was handled with apology from the server and a discount to our bill was given at the point of paying, which was good customer service. However, I still suffered a stomach ache from either glutens being present in my food or from cross-contamination- both of which show no understanding of gluten-free provision. We’ll swerve this place next time….

There for a few beers and stepped out into the smoking area, when I tried to get back had been told that the manager had pointed out 4 people who they didn’t want back in, and I was one of them. No explanation why, I’d literally just chatted to the other people outside for the first time and had only had 1 beer. Anyway, avoid. I suspect they don’t want customers of certain demography which was very much the impression the bouncer gave when I asked him why weren’t allowed in. Beer is overpriced here too.

We took friends out for lunch on our first visit and although the pub was clean the food was very very disappointing for the price. Will not be going back!

Such a beautiful pub so quirky. Amazing staff made us feel so very welcome. The food was outstanding! All freshly made and home cooked. Will 💯 be going back and highly recommended.

We felt so welcome and taken care of! Such a cozy pub in a gorgeous location and lovely surroundings. They have an extensive beer list and it's such a good pit stop if you are in the area!

Sometimes you can walk into a pub or club for the first time, or even as a regular, and be met with miserable or even rude staff and those that are wrapped up in their own self-importance - but not here in The Rum Puncheon. I came in here today on recommendation from a friend called Simon who is a fire chief at Eltham. Sat for almost an hour talking with a lovely young lady behind the bar called Tess. What a credit to The Rum Puncheon she is, though she is leaving this Sunday. I'm sure she will be missed. There were two Ales on tap from Horsham's Dark Star, those being Hophead and Orbiter. I only had the hophead which was nice. With the explosion of Micro Pubs and tap Rooms though, I would like to see perhaps one or two locally produced Ales such as from Iron Pier who even brew a Pale Ale called West Street - ironic as that is where The Rum Puncheon is. That said, the two ales available here are two more than some places have that stick to their same ol same ol monotonous regular ale. I'll definitely be back base don conversation alone.

Quaint old fashioned pub with wood floors and beams. Assortment of tables and armchairs. Very popular with locals. Badger ales but the only stout was Guinness.

There were 5 of us, all friends. We had different meals. The food we thought was average. They do not do French Fries - what a shame. The service was excellent. Pity on emeal was forgotten and had to remind staff. That should not happen.

As always lovely tasty food at good honest prices ! Great choice cooked fresh to order . Great atmosphere whether you sit inside or outside in the newly furnished garden . Thoroughly recommend a visit .

We were a party of 7 celebrating a birthday. You get a buzzer that alerts you when it's free to go to the carvery. There are 4 meats to choose from, 6 or 7 vegetables, plus lovely gravy and sauces. And really lovely Yorkshire puddings. We all enjoyed our meal, and only 3 of us had room for a dessert, we had the ice cream. A Really enjoyable time, and good value