The best restaurants serving British food in Wealden South East

On Thursday 10th April we took our young daughters to the carvery as we have done for many years before, however on this day the male manager left me in tears, however ridiculous is that. In the front of the restaurant there was around 20 tables that were all reserved (you could not see a table without a reserved table sticker, however they were all empty) I went over to the bar whilst holding my little baby and nicely asked the manager if it’s ok to sit on a small four table and his response was so rude, he said do you think we put the reserved paper out just for fun and I said no I just wanted to ask and then he told us to sit at the back of the restaurant where I began to get upset for how he spoke to me. The whole time we were there not a single reserved table was sat on. Such a horrible experience for a pub we’ve been to so many times before. The male manager shouldn’t work there.

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.