Pubs in and around Hassocks for lunch - advice needed

[Cadiz Seagull]

I'm meeting a friend in Hassocks in 10 days time and we want to go to a nice pub for lunch. Having moved there when I was 13 I know lots of pubs but I think they might have changed a bit since 1959!

So any suggestions for a nice pub lunch will be most appreciated.

The Bull at Ditchling always did good lunches, is that still good?

Friars Oak was a bit boring when I lived there but I think they are a lot better now, anybody know that pub?

Or any better suggestions?

Thanks in advance, I know NSC won't let me down.

 

[Barrel of Fun]

The Bull is still lovely. Bit pricey.

I had dinner at the Friars Oak recently, but I thought the service was a bit lame and expensive for what it was. Small servings and a see-through prawn was deemed to be cooked..!

Straight contest between the two - The Bull wins with a round one KO.

 

[Marshy]

I thought the Thatch in Hassocks had a good reputation

 

[Lady Whistledown]

The Bull is still nice. Slightly pricey but nice.

The Friars Oak is one of those Vintage Inns (?) chain pubs. Alright. Nothing special. Wouldn't particularly recommend anything else in Hassocks. Ditchling is close enough I think?

 

[ringmerseagulltoo]

The Thatched Inn, no contest. Proper local pub, not part of a chain. Excellent food at reasonable prices, good variety from pub classics to the more adventurous. I had one of the best steaks for a long time at New Year

 

[dazzer6666]

Friars Oak - chain pub, decent menu, ok-ish, reliable
Thatch (The Thatched Inn) - good, don't think it's a chain, lots of daily specials, 'home cooked' feel
Jack and Jill - foot of the South Downs but I haven't eaten there for a while so won't comment other than has always been ok
The Greyhound - good, comparable to the Thatch
The Bull - as above, posher pub grub
Hassocks Hotel (by the station) - really a pub, down to earth place
Another option you could choose is Mid Sussex Golf Club 5 mins away - very good menu/food
The Half Moon (10 mins from Hassocks) - hidden away at the foot of the Downs on the Plumpton Road, excellent

 

[Billy the Fish]

Food at the friars oak has definitely improved recently. Still pretty bog standard as far as pubs go, but that's what you'd expect from a chain pub.

Go to Ditchling, The Bull or The White Horse

 

[Prince Monolulu]

The New Inn, Hurst. Not far, great food and some nice wines.

 

[Billy the Fish]

Hassocks Hotel (by the station) - really a pub, down to earth place

Is that your way of saying "rough as old boots!"

 

[dazzer6666]

Is that your way of saying "rough as old boots!"

Noooooo, not really.......but compared with the Bull for example it's a bit less plush perhaps

 

[joeinbrighton]

The Thatched Inn is your best bet. Lovely food and good service. Used to like Friars Oak, but have been less impressed on my last few visits there.

 

[Billy the Fish]

Noooooo, not really.......but compared with the Bull for example it's a bit less plush perhaps

You could compare it to my rusty sheriffs badge the morning after a vindaloo and it would still be less plush!

 

[Super Steve Earle]

The Thatched for me

 

[Hillian1]

The Thatched for me

Indeed.

Proper pub with proper food.

 

[black shadow]

Greyhound at Keymer or the Plough at Pyecombe

Indeed.

Proper pub with proper food.

Both excellent (particularly the curry at The Plough!)

 

[Timbo]

Loads of choice at the Thatch, can't really go wrong.

Friars Oak last time had great service but bang average food.

Greyhound has always been good. Great for a roast!

The Hassocks is great for a pint and a packet of crisps if your trains late. Love the pub but not sure I'd eat there.

As someone said earlier, if you've got transport, the half moon at Plumpton is the place to head for.

 

[DumLum]

Another vote for the Thatched Inn from me.

 

[EUB430]

Another recommendation for the Thatched Inn, lots of choice of good food with local ingredients, and good size portions. They do a good pint as well and very friendly.

 

[Poyningsgull]

The greyhound at Keymer is very nice. Proper pub.

 

[spongy]

The Thatched Inn is a good shout. If you fancy traveling a bit further the TopHouse in Burgess Hill up from the station now does really good food. I eat there on a regular basis and haven't had a bad meal yet.