The Castle Inn Hotel

Set in Bramber, on the outskirts of Steyning, The Castle Inn Hotel champions the simple pleasure of well-sourced, well-cooked dishes.

Working closely with local Sussex suppliers, the kitchen lets the seasons set the pace, keeping things fresh with a regularly changing menu. There is an easy confidence to the cooking: a focus on flavour, a respect for ingredients and a flexible approach to mealtimes. Guests can call to check availability and can have the daily menu emailed across.

Expect British comfort with a polished touch. Soup of the day with warm bread and salted butter sets a cosy tone, while salt and pepper squid arrives bright with chilli and spring onion salad and a creamy aioli.

Mains lean classic with a pan seared fillet of sea bream with a garlic and shallot crushed potato cake or beer-battered cod with chunky fish and chips. Elsewhere, the pie of the day with creamy mashed potato, seasonal vegetables and rich gravy offers the sort of satisfaction that never goes out of style. Truffle mac and cheese, crowned with crispy onions and garlic bread, brings extra indulgence.

It is the kind of place suited to lingering lunches and easy-going suppers, where familiar comforts meet careful sourcing. Guests can book ahead or ring to see what is cooking today. Pull up a chair and let comfort take the lead.