With the recent crisp mornings and serious temptation to turn the heating on, I’ve had to admit that summer is well and truly over. While I’m not quite ready to get my winter coats out, I have excitedly started to embrace the beginning of autumn, so I was delighted to visit The Eight Bells in Jevington recently to try their new autumn menu.
A countryside classic
The Eight Bells has been a much-loved country pub for years. It is in the beautiful village of Jevington in the heart of the South Downs, known for its delicious food and cosy vibe. It has a lovely garden that is buzzing during the summer months and a huge open fireplace in the dining room, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere during the colder seasons. It’s clear to see why The Eight Bells is so popular with locals, as well as attracting a crowd from further afield.
A warm welcome
I visited The Eight Bells with my husband on a crisp Wednesday evening, the early darkness of the sky not only reminding me that autumn has arrived, but also serving as a sign that you are deep in the countryside where streetlights are few and far between. We received a warm welcome from Jen and her team as we walked in, and we were seated in the cosy, traditional dining room by the fireplace.
It’s the type of pub where you’re greeted and treated like a local from the moment you arrive, and you briefly consider checking Rightmove to see if a move to the countryside is viable.
A tempting tipple
The wine list at The Eight Bells is vast but not overwhelming, full of interesting wines, including a selection of sparkling from nearby Rathfinny winery. I had a beautiful Rioja Blanco which was clean and citrussy and exactly what was needed. My husband was impressed by the selection of beers and ales, and the low- and no-alcohol selection was by far the most interesting that I’d seen in a long time. The gin selection stood out as it included four Sussex gins – I will be returning to sample them all!
Celebrating all things local
The menu includes all-year-round classics like fish and chips, Beef Wellington and the very popular scotch egg with homemade chutney, but it was the newly launched autumn menu that really got me excited. Head chef Jamie Gardner champions local produce; not only does he use some fruit and vegetables grown in the pub garden, but he also loves to involve the local community, welcoming neighbours’ home-grown offerings and designing delicious recipes to showcase fresh flavours.
Flavourful starters
We started our meal with fresh bread from a local bakery, accompanied by a crisp and tangy pickle selection. This was followed by a beautiful Jerusalem artichoke and pear soup with brown butter wild mushrooms. The soup was deliciously rich and creamy, and instantly warming. I had torched red mullet with a celery and apple salad and smoked tomato broth.
Oh, the broth! I’ve been dreaming about it ever since: so full of flavour, so intense and so utterly moreish. My husband enjoyed the beef cheek croquettes – tender and crispy – with bay-pickled shallots and saffron aioli.
Mouth-watering mains
The mains were a further celebration of all things local. The autumn-harvest tomato risotto was made from tomatoes grown in the garden and contributions from local allotments. Served with confit peppers, Jevington honey and basil pesto, it was fragrant and fresh.
Venison haunch from a local butcher in Bodiam was cooked to perfection, succulent and full of flavour. It was served with creamed potato, burnt Roscoff, sprout tops and the complex and intense blackberry and chocolate jus was spot-on.
What Jevington is famous for
Jevington is famous for inventing the banoffee pie in the 1970s. While the home of the original banoffee pie down the road, unfortunately, closed its doors in 2012, when I saw the comforting classic on the menu, I just had to try it. And it did not disappoint. The Eight Bells’ version of the classic comes served deconstructed, with a pastry lattice served on top. The caramelised banana was perfectly sweet, the oat crumb brought some subtle texture and the banoffee ice cream rounded the dish off perfectly – nostalgia on a plate!
Perfect for any occasion
Whether you’re after a relaxed family lunch, a cosy meal for two or a catch-up with friends, The Eight Bells offers exquisitely cooked food, an impressive selection of drinks, a cosy and welcoming atmosphere and a sense of community that will leave you feeling thoroughly warmed through.
