The Cock Inn, Ringmer

After a miserable week down in this part of the country, unrelated to pubs, the only redeeming features have been two good pubs, The Laughing Fish and a couple of miles away, this one, The Cock.

When you see that 'family run' actually means 'family run' then you even start to believe that cliches like 'home cooked' actually means 'home cooked' and while I might only have had the sausge and mash, it was good.

Sitting here at the bar the food side is clearly important, but haven't made the mistake of letting it make someone who just wants a pleasant beer feel out of place as so many (including one up the road) do.

A real credit to all in the family.

3 May 2008 22:51

The Laughing Fish, Isfield

I've just left the pub and while I can very much understand the sentiments apropos recently refurbished favourites, all I can say is that it must have been amazing before.

Can you have a pub that offers an equal appeal to locals and visitors alike? Can you do good food without delusions of grandeur? Can you welcome kids and animals without them becoming an irritant for those like myself with neither? Can you serve an admittedly limited beer range but rely on quality alone? Can you introduce me to a pub game that I've never heard of before?

Not many can tick all the boxes but I've been more impressed with the Fish than any other pub new to me for a good year or two.

3 May 2008 22:04