The best restaurants serving British food in Wealden South East

Absolute rip off. This restaurant does not own their own car park and I have now received a parking ticket, yes another company fleecing motorists. Why is there parking restrictions anyway as there are no schools, no shops, not train or bus stations, no industry, no other restaurants or pubs, no parks or leisure facilities, so why have you put parking restrictions in place as the only people it will affect is your decent customers who pay for a meal at your restaurant. I have not been in this area for about 12 months so I was completely unaware of this new parking scam and low and behold No information when paying for my meal, you pay for your meal first, from any staff member so I presume they are in on the scam as well, had they informed me I would not be writing this review. Onto the food and service now, My cold, had to constantly ask for breakfast items, were of very poor quality, cheap and unhealthy meat, slimy mushrooms, eggs if you are lucky, last night’s chicken for breakfast???, lukewarm coffee if you are lucky to find there is some available. Staff unresponsive and quite moody, never keeping an eye on what’s available and what is running low, they run out of items and the customer has to constantly remind them that there is no food available, sometimes waiting for over 10 minutes, which makes the breakfast very cold. Won’t bother again to eat at any restaurant owned by this chain ever again. My final bill includes the parking fine £121.52. I have the original receipt for that days dining so can you ask your scamming partner, euro car parks, to write off the unfair and disgusting parking fine.

After a walk around Sheffield Park we went into the Coach House Tea Rooms for some drinks and a snack.- A limited Choice Both of which were Okay, but nothing more and a little overpriced but it served our purpose

My wife went to Alfriston for a walk and a light lunch and we tried the Smugglers Inn at 1.15 pm on Sunday 2nd February. After a walk to the Church and back I ordered Americano coffees and the soup of the day plus the pate on toast. Both started were wonderful. I congratulated the Chef on the soup which was parsnip, carrot and other root vegetables served with warm artesian bread. The whole meal only came to £24. I definitely will come again.

update 2025; This is now very much a run-of-the-mill garden centre cafe, which is such a crying shame as it was SO special when Spade and Spoon ran it in the old (pre-fire) building. We used to drive miles out of our way to pop in for their extraordinary cakes and proper barista coffee. It was very hard to find that level of excellence outside of city centre fancy cafes. Cecil's kitchen is perfectly fine but the menu, food, service and experience is very canteen like. Hard not to be disappointed now we know what we're missing!

Very friendly and welcoming team. Superb afternoon tea with very generous portions. The best we have had for some time!

Very average food i cook better at home. No effort was made to please. everything seemed too much trouble.service and atmosphere very bad.wont be returning

Very poor food cold smelly staff did not care waited a long time they did not want us there the table cloths were not clean there was food on the floor

Lovely historic ambience and architecture. Stayed in the suite for one night as had to attend a wedding. Food was lovely and service was great. Great customer service. Very pleasant and helpful. The Suite. Bathroom was beautiful although l just used the shower due to finding hair in the bath. I feel the interior decoration in the suite could be warmer, with more colour. The glass furniture in the room is rather tacky including the silver lamps too. A shame for such a lovely space and the amount paid for the night. The room of itself is a lovely size, nice windows and view. Thank you.