Surrounded by the South Downs National Park, The Bull sits proudly at the crossroads of Ditchling village, near the village shop, tearooms and Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft. Nearby Ditchling Beacon is a beast to climb but has incredible views across the Downs, or hop in the car to visit the Ridgeview Wine Estate or Plumpton Racecourse.
By car: Ditchling is 1 hour and 45 minutes' drive from London. There is free but limited parking at the hotel.
By train: The closest train station is Hassocks, a 5-minute taxi ride away, with direct trains from London that that take just under an hour. Book trains to Hassocks.
Built in 1560, The Bull is one of the oldest buildings in the village. Behind its pale pistachio green façade, the cosy bar has centuries-old beams, wonky ceilings and wisps of woodsmoke from a brace of fireplaces, while a new contemporary dining room brings it bang up to date.
Both the bar and restaurant are largely staffed by a young team, who are all smiley, friendly and nicely efficient, even on the busiest nights. There's also a lovely lawned beer garden out the back, which hosts regular movie nights and barbecues throughout the summer.
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Garden
- Outdoor dining
- Free parking
- Free Wi-Fi
Reached via a secret door in the pub, there are six rooms upstairs; while they are not huge, they are comfortable. Designed by Ditchling-based interiors expert Jeanette Seabrook, all are swathed in plush velvets, plump cushions and wool throws.
Room types: Small Ensuite Double Room, Medium Ensuite Twin Room, Medium Ensuite Double Room
Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with Cowshed amenities, hairdryer, bathrobes, towels, Smart TV, tea and coffee making facilities, free Wi-Fi
The restaurant was updated in 2018 and now has a light, modern dining room attached to the bar. It still serves a concise modern British menu with small plates, large plates and snacks. The main dishes tend to change seasonally and all are locally sourced with fresh vegetables and herbs from the garden.
The Bull: classy pub dishes, small plates, kids' menus. Vegetables and herbs from the kitchen garden. Local wines and beer from the pub's own brewery. Wood-fired pizza oven in the garden. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Mains from £13.
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