CookeryClub

A rural hostelry with a fine A la Carte restaurant.  

The Countryman is set in open countryside close to the small village of Shipley, surrounded by 3,500 acres of farmland owned by the Knepp Castle Estate.

The area is in the process of being turned back into a more natural state, with the introduction of fallow deer, free roaming Tamworth pigs, Exmoor ponies and longhorn cattle. Many wild birds have also been encouraged to return to the area, as the new growth of wild grasses and plant life provide a welcoming habitat. You can even do a bit of bird spotting from the inn's garden in fine weather.

Inside you'll find warming log fires in the winter, and cask conditioned Harvey's and Organic Horsham ales in the cosy bar, together with over 30 wines from around the world. Free-range meat and vegetables from local farms make their appearance on the menu alongside fresh fish from Shoreham and Newhaven and local game in season.

Menus are frequently changing, but some popular dishes include Shredded Shoulder of Southdown Lamb; Pan-Fried Wild Halibut; and Roasted Loin of Saddleback Pork. These might be preceded by Locally caught Lobster, home-made chicken liver pâté, or scallop and noodle salad.

Shipley's historic eight-sided smock mill is worth a visit, and is just a mile's walk along a woodland bridle path from The Countryman. The mill is so called because of its likeness to the farm labourer's traditional cotton smock. New for the Summer in the Countryman Garden is an open air Garden Kitchen serving a range of home baked bread and snacks.

Recent Awards include:

• Les Routiers Dining Pub of the year 2005/6/7
• William Reed Publishing Best Food Pub 2007
• AA pub Guide Premier Pub/Restaurant 2007
• Nominated for UKTV Local Food Hero 2007

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