The Bear, Burwash

I visit this pub every now and again due to my work commitments, it is a lovely place, the landlord Kevin is great. Has great taste in ale (Betty Skogs, a taste of my home county this week!) and keeps things running ship shape, its a shame the same cannot be said about a member of his staff!

I was staying here last week and popped in for a drink in he day (finished work about 3, woohoo!) before returning to my chalet and was chatting to the barmaid, lets just say, an older lady (not the Russian one, she's ace!) working/boozing behind the bar. I said how much I like staying at the Bear, and she replied that I should try the Rose and Crown instead as its cheaper and apparently the food is better. On enquiring further, she admitted to sending lots of customers up there and that she recommends it to lots of people, is she on commision from another pub or summat?!! She really enthralled about the place and seemed to imply that the Bear wasnt worth a second visit.

I must admit, I was shocked at this 'ladies' disloyalty to the pub where she has worked for years, she must of as I have been staying there for years on and off and remember seeing her. No wonder the place is empty if even the staff send people elsewhere.

Its a real shame that people dont seem to go up the Bear anymore. I went back to my chalet, got changed and returned to have a really enjoyable evening. The food was good, the evening bar staff were great company and all in all, I had another great stay here. I wont be trying the Rose and Crown, and will return to the Bear in the near future. Get rid of her or at least sort her out before I come back, please please, I want a nice quiet chalet to come back to and a decent, not over priced mixed grill and pint of ale, thats why I go to the Bear!

28 Nov 2008 16:06

The Giants Rest, Wilmington

Thank you so much Giants Rest!!! I was driving back from Seaford and came over a bit funny, felt very poorly. I took the Litlington/Wilmington Road and stopped first at the Plough and Horses, which was shut. I thought I was going to pass out by this point and continued my drive to the Giants Rest. I have had several lovely evening meals here so felt safe in their hands. All I needed was a quick sandwich and a drink to sustain and repair me.

Much to my despair, no sarnies on the menu but the kind bar man asked in the kitchen and they agreed. They should do sandwiches, I know its only a sandwich, but honestly, it as the loveliest malted brown bread, hand cut, thick and crusty. I had home cooked ham which they have for their ploughmans. The tastiest ham I have had in a long time, cut almost as thick as the bread! A little side salad with the most moreish coleslaw and olives which didnt taste anything like thoses awful salted briney ones you get in pots in Tescos. I spend a lot of time in rural Catalonia, Spain where every restaurant gives you a plate ful of olives from the local co-operative, fresh from the trees. These tasted just like those!

As for the service, super! Very accomodating and I was very comforted on this howling wet day by the log fire. There was a few people in for a monday lunch, a nice buzz about the place. Thanks again Giants Rest, you made my day!

10 Nov 2008 21:50

The Bear, Burwash

Wilf880 must of come on a seriously bad day!

I went to the Bear last sunday with my partner and had a fantastic time! We got there about 3pm and hadnt booked and after being turned away from everywhere else, we were giving up hope, especially as the place was packed out. The staff were great and found us a quietish table in the bar.

My partner had the carvery and I had the fresh fish catch. Firstly, I would like to say that the Bear do the best carvery for miles around......... proper home made gravy and a nice rare/medium joint of beef! Help yourself to yorkshire puds which is always great too. The fresh fish catch was extraoridnarily good and I am a real sticler for fish being cooked well and not over cooked to a rubbery mess..... had scallops, a piece of salmon a king prawn and a small piece of plaice, all cooked perfectly.

They have a new chef and new menu and it shows, the way my dish was presented looks like what you would expect in a high class retaurant, without being too cheffy either.

My pud was a bit of a let down (only a bit though - my plate was still clean!), very nice but I have had a very similar dish elsewhere which makes me think that it was bought in, but my bloke had banoffee pie which looked and tasted very home made and scrummy!

Definately worth a go if you are out and about in this area...... especially if you like Jack Russel Terriers.. spotted too strangly quiet and un yappy ones runnning about the place.

12 Aug 2008 17:59