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The Jolly Sportsman in East Chiltington

Voted the 3rd best pub in Sussex in 2024, the Jolly Sportsman is a gastro destination set amongst the serene beauty of the South Downs National Park. Excellent for midweek dining with plenty of alfresco space to enjoy. New and old world wines and a venue which champions Sussex produce.

Why You’ll like The Jolly Sportsman.

Rachel, Emily, Rob, and the entire team welcome you to The Jolly Sportsman in East Chiltington.

Their quintessentially picturesque Sussex pub and rooms are open 7 days a week, offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner to locals and visitors alike. Situated on the north side of the South Downs near the sleepy village of East Chiltington,  The Jolly Sportsman is located on a quiet no through road just 20 minutes away from Brighton and 5 minutes away from Lewes and Ditchling.

With plenty of charming alfresco nooks, their venue invites you to relax and unwind in the great outdoors while enjoying delicious food and drinks. Whether you prefer to bask in the sunshine or cosy up by the fire pit, this countryside oasis provides the perfect backdrop for an exceptional Sussex experience.

RB loves escaping the hustle and bustle of city life and immersing yourself in the tranquility of this stunning countryside setting.

drone shot of The Jolly Sportsman Sussex

The Essentials

  • The Menus

The Jolly Sportsman is open for breakfast, brunch and dinner and is a great option for midweek dining. Vegan and vegetarian options are available.

  • The Wine

With 50 old and new world wines to choose from, including English and Sussex wines.

  • Family Friendly

The whole family is welcome at The Jolly Sportsman. There’s a dedicated menu for children (main and dessert) with seasonal options to please their tiny taste buds.

  • Dog Friendly

Guide dogs are welcome. Well behaved dogs on leads are welcome inside and out.

The Jolly Sportsman can accommodate parties of many sizes across this multi-functional venue. With plenty of separate areas inside and out, with the added attraction of the Jolly Garden Bar.

A Gastro Destination Close to Lewes

The Jolly Sportsman is recognised in the AA guide 2023/2024 and honoured in multiple categories at the 2024 Brighton Restaurant Awards (3rd in Best Sussex Pub), the venue pride themselves on offering an idyllic retreat for wine enthusiasts and visitors seeking an authentic experience.

Inside of the Jolly Sportsman Sussex pub. Pictured, brick work and green velvet chairs and tables

Live Fire Cooking and Local Produce | The Jolly Sportsman

Their cooking philosophy combines classical techniques with live-fire cooking, using locally sourced, seasonal produce to create a menu that evolves with the seasons and minimises their carbon footprint.

An aerial picture of dishes at the Jolly Sportsman in East Chiltington.

They receive daily deliveries of fresh fish caught off the Sussex coast (BNFS) and source their meat from local butchers and farms within a 20-mile radius. Their bread is baked fresh daily, and their pastry chef delights with comforting desserts.

Sunday Roasts at The Jolly Sportsman

On Sundays, their Sunday roast menu features roast options alongside kid-friendly mini roasts and vegetarian and vegan choices. They also keep a number of their pub classics for you to enjoy like the fish of the day and pie of the day.

roast beef with all the trimmings

Perfectly Paired | Old and New World Wines

Complementing their menu is an extensive wine list curated to pair perfectly with our dishes. With over 50 wines from the old and new worlds, as well as local English and Sussex vineyards, their selection promises something for every palate.

They also offer local Sussex bitters fresh from the cask.

Patrons enjoy the garden space at the Jolly Sportsman in East Chiltington.
Pictured, The Jolly Garden Bar

A Stunning Countryside Setting with Plenty of Alfresco Dining and Drinking

During the warmer months, their stunning garden provides an enchanting setting for al fresco dining, complete with an outdoor bar. In winter, cosy indoor dining awaits, complete with roaring fires.

Please note that The Jolly Sportsman welcome well-behaved and quiet dogs in both their pub and beer garden, and they kindly ask their guests to be mindful of others when bringing their furry friends.

The Jolly Sportsman Sussex exterior shot of the pub

Weddings, Events and Special Occasions

Celebrate with The Jolly Sportsman! Their venue is perfect for any event, from anniversaries and birthdays to christenings and weddings. Contact their Events Coordinator at events@thejollysportsman.com to discuss dates, availability and pricing.

Pictured, a well lit garden bar nestled among the trees in the South Downs

Rooms at The Jolly Sportsman

Extend your stay and enjoy The Jolly Sportsman for longer! Their four upstairs bedrooms offer cosy accommodations for guests looking to fully immerse themselves in the serene surroundings and enjoy plenty of nearby attractions and events.

a bright airy bed and breakfast with white sheets on a double bed with navy blue throws and pillowsOpening Hours at The Jolly Sportsman

Opening hours featured maybe subject to change depending on the time of the year and these times may also be weather permitting especially with their alfresco areas. Therefore please double check opening times ahead of your visit.

Reviews

  1. Sam

    Great countryside restaurant, amazing wine list .huge selection of local sparkling wines . Fantastic food, Sunday roast is amazing!

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