As part of celebrating this year’s BRAVO Awards, we caught up with Tanya Armstrong, General Manager of The Jolly Sportsman — winner of Best Sussex Pub 2025. Tucked away in the village of East Chiltington, this much-loved country pub has captured the hearts of guests with its welcoming atmosphere, focus on local produce, and balance of tradition and innovation. In this interview, Tanya shares what makes The Jolly Sportsman so special, and why the BRAVO win means so much to her team.
Congratulations on being named Best Sussex Pub 2025. What makes The Jolly Sportsman stand out among all the wonderful pubs across Sussex?
Thank you — it’s such an honour!
I think what sets The Jolly Sportsman apart is that we’ve managed to keep the soul of a traditional country pub while offering a dining experience that feels really special.
We’re tucked away in beautiful East Chiltington, and people often say the pub feels like a hidden gem. Our focus on local produce, warm service, and that balance of comfort and quality means guests can relax completely while still enjoying something exceptional on the plate.
What is the dining experience like for someone who hasn’t been to The Jolly Sportsman before?
It’s a real mix of rustic charm and thoughtful detail.
Imagine walking into a cosy countryside pub with wood fires and character, then being treated to beautifully prepared dishes that really showcase Sussex ingredients.
The experience is unrushed — whether you’re here for a Sussex Sunday lunch, a pint in the garden, a light snack or to celebrate your special occasion, we want you to feel at home and cared for.
Why do your customers keep coming back — what aspects of atmosphere, service or food do people mention most often? Why are you good at what you do?
Guests often tell us they love the friendliness of the team and the relaxed but attentive service.
The food is of course a big draw — people come back for their favourites but also for the surprises on the menu. I think we’re good at what we do because we genuinely love hospitality. It’s not just about the food or the wine list; it’s about making sure everyone leaves happier than when they arrived.
What do you like most about the BRAVOs, and what impact has winning Best Sussex Pub 2025 had on your business?
I love that the BRAVOs are voted for by the public — it feels so personal and meaningful, because it comes directly from the people who eat and drink with us. Winning Best Sussex Pub has given our whole team such a boost; it’s validation for all the hard work that goes on behind the scenes.
It’s also introduced us to new guests who might not have heard of us before, which is wonderful.
The Jolly Sportsman is also dog-friendly and has lovely outdoor garden space — how important are these features to your customers?
Very important! For many of our guests, bringing the dog along is part of a proper country pub outing, and we’re always happy to welcome four-legged friends. Our garden is a big draw too — in the warmer months, people love sitting out with a glass of English sparkling wine or a local beer. It makes the pub feel like part of the community, not just a place to eat.
What role does your team play in keeping the standards high — can you share how you train or motivate them, why are they so special?
The team is everything. You can have the best food in the world, but without genuine hospitality it won’t land in the same way. We put a lot of emphasis on training and sharing knowledge — whether that’s wine pairings, menu tastings, or just supporting each other in service. But more than that, it’s about culture. I like to think of my team as my family, we celebrate successes together and look after one another, and I think that warmth really shows to our guests.
