Review on The Jolly Sportsman
The award winning Jolly Sportsman, a fabulous gem of a pub and restaurant is located in an idyllic countryside setting in the hamlet of East Chiltington, Sussex, just 20 minutes from Brighton. The stylish dining room has a a rustic charm with solid wood tables and chairs on stripped wood flooring and contemporary artwork on the pale walls. The bar area which covers most of the original ground floor was once a Victorian alehouse and is very cosy with its log fire in winter. In summer months, guests can sit back and unwind on the terrace with its heady scent of jasmine, or the colourful garden with its panoramic views of the South Downs.
Chef proprietor is Bruce Wass and joining Bruce in the kitchen is new head chef Vincent Fayat who previously worked at the renowned Ockendon Manor. Native ingredients are carefully sourced and judiciously deployed both on the carte and the good-value set menus. Typically you might begin with seared scallops, Chinese spiced pork belly and pea puree or potted rabbit, Serrano ham and celeriac remoulade. Follow on with a main course of partridge with braised white beans and baby vegetables or maybe a fillet of gurnard, caponata and new potatoes. To finish there's an array of tempting desserts such as grilled panettone, roast spiced pear and ginger ice cream or if you can't decide, you could always choose the six desserts in miniature.
There's a carefully crafted wine list of some 200 references, featuring a collection that offers something for everyone in terms of both taste and budget. There are specialist beers from micro-breweries, ales served directly from the cask, a large selection of bottled beers from Belgium, Germany and the Czech Republic, as well as over 100 malt whiskies.
The Jolly Sportsman is a gastro pub at the top of its game, with friendly service and a relaxed atmosphere.
The Jolly Sportsman is also featured in: Michelin Guide, Good Food Guide, Hardens
Rate this RestaurantCuisine
Gastro pub / Modern European
Chef
Bruce Wass and Vincent Fayat
Restaurant Opening Times
Lunch: 12.00 - 2.00pm Tue-Sat (12.00 - 3.30pm Sun)
Dinner: 6.30 - 9.30pm Tue-Thu (10.00pm Fri & 9.00pm Sat)
Accepted credit cards
Visa, Master Card
