Bessemer Arms, Sheffield Parkback to pub details please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
This pub should be so much better than it is. Well kept Brighton Blonde does not compensate for plastic glasses or the overpowering smell of fried food. This pub is clearly a sideshow for the Bluebell Railway which is a shame.
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Beers, a mixed result yesterday with Kings Brighton Blonde in fine fettle but Turners East Sussex Best, hazy and a strange after taste. Usually just the two beers on. If the queue looks long, check as it may be for food and a shorter one to the left is for drinks. This comes over as a cafeteria that has beers.
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Further to 5thearlofwimbourne notes, the railway has now extended to East Grinstead and therefore no bus journey is necessary, just a change of trains from electric to steam. As on the big railway though maintenance is required from time to time so do check on their web site first. Just the one beer on today 11/01/14, Franklins Grumpy Guvnor which was a dark beer and in good condition.
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To get to the Bessemer Arms, you really need your own transport. I, being the philanthropic cove that I am, gave Champ, the wrinkled retainer and chauffeur, the day off, and it was the Devil's own job to get there by public transport, involving a train journey to East Grinstead, and a bus from there to Kingscote station - the most northerly on The Bluebell Line, then a leisurely steam-hauled train ride to Sheffield Park. It took an hour and forty minutes to get from East Grinstead to Sheffield Park!
The Bessemer Arms is named after Miss R.E.M. Bessemer, the redoubtable granddaughter of famed Steelman-Inventor Sir Henry Bessemer. Notwithstanding the fact that the previous reviewer likens the atmosphere to that of a cafeteria, the food was nonetheless tasty and good value. They were doing a roaring lunchtime trade on the day of my visit and there were plenty of friendly, efficient staff so queuing for either food or ale was minimal. Tables were cleared in a very prompt manner without patrons being made to feel rushed.
There were three very well kept ales on offer; Harvey's "Best" & Hammerpot "Martlet" representing Sussex breweries, and from Manchester, a guest appearance by Hyde's "Summertime Blue".
The reason that they were particularly busy on the day of my visit, and hence the third ale being available, was due to the annual re-union taking place of the retired enginemen from the old Nine Elms motive power department - now sadly the New Covent Garden Market!
An excellent day out - and not just "for the kids", I would hasten to add. The whole set up is extremely well run and, personally, I look forward to the day in the not-too-distant future, when the Bluebell Line connects to the mainline railway service at East Grinstead once more. As an ale-loving gricer, the whole package warrants 9/10 - the Bessemer Arms itself, 6/10.
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Two real ales on offer, one of which was Harvey's Best served in good condition at �2.90 a pint. Food is Lasagne/Pastie/Chips variety and filling enough.
Inside, the atmosphere is very much that of a cafeteria - it is a railway refreshment room, after all. If you are looking for a cosy 'traditional country pub' (whatever that may be), you will be disappointed.
Outside on the platform, there are plenty of picnic benches and if you are looking for an unparallelled view of restored steam engines and rolling stock, you will have come to the perfect spot.
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Nice choice of beers on here and very reasonbly priced also does very good food as well clearly a good bonus when visiting the Blubell Railway.
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The Bluebell line is a great place to take the kids for a day out. Usually such venues provide limited refreshments poorly accommodated. Not so at Sheffield Park station. The old station restaurant has been named The Bessemer Arms and sells a variety of hot meals and cold snacks in pleasant surroundings. There are a number of tables outside on the platform and a function room upstairs. There's also a (catered)pullman car that you can hire for special events.
But the real bonus is the beer. Not a few cans of Carling from the back of the fridge here! There's well kept real ale on handpump! Last time I was here (admittedly a few months ago now) there was a choice of Harveys Sussex and Gales HSB. Now that certainly enhances a family day out! And if you don't want to go on the trains you can still get in for the price of a platform ticket.
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