The Bull, East Sussex

The Bull ticks all the right boxes if you're looking for a lively, well managed pub with smart accommodation in the South Downs National Park. Situated in the heart of Ditchling, a peaceful village just ten minutes from Brighton, it is in a prime spot for walkers, cyclists and culture vultures (you're close to Glyndebourne, the Bluebell railway and Charleston - country retreat of the Bloomsbury set). The six individually designed and cosy rooms offer luxury accessories including Cowshed toiletries, but be warned that in summer months they can be noisy from local traffic (in winter you're cossetted with double glazing). The excellent restaurant serves modern British cuisine, with many ingredients grown on site and the rest sourced as locally as possible. And don't forget to try a pint of their very own ale from the Bedlam Brewery. A great choice for a country break in a charming rural location.

Why do people love staying in your hotel?
We’re in a beautiful location in a Sussex village, a short journey (50 mins) from London and only 10 mins from Brighton yet in the heart of the South Downs. We're a country bolthole for people needing a getaway with award-winning food and rooms - and open fires in winter and a beautiful beer garden in summer.

What is there to do in the area?
Where to start?! We're in the stunning South Downs - the walking and the cycling is excellent - climb the (in)famous Ditchling Beacon for incredible views or stroll around our thriving village and visit our award winning arts and crafts museum. We're close to Lewes and Brighton for independent shops and the coast..

What kind of breakfast do you offer?
Breakfast is a popular meal at our pub - we offer everything from full English and bacon sandwiches to granola and yoghurt or smashed avocado and poached eggs on sourdough. We also offer organic local coffee.

Do you offer other meals? And can you recommend good places to eat out locally?
We do lunch and dinner and serve all day on the weekend until 9.30 on Saturday (9 on Sunday). In the summer we also have an outdoor kitchen serving pizza and bbq on the weekends. There are a host of fantastic restaurants in nearby Brighton (10 minutes away) and we're always happy to make recommendations and reservations for our guests.

Which are your most popular room types, and why?
Everyone has a favourite! All our rooms are en-suite and individually designed.

What facilities do you have for children and can you fit extra beds in your rooms ?
We have a brand new family suite – with two rooms that can be booked together to form an interconnecting suite. Our pub is very child friendly - we have a popular bespoke wooden play area outside with swings, a slide and seesaw. For food - we have a dedicated children menu and offer high chairs and colouring.

What message would you like to give Hotel Guru readers?
We'd love to see you - come and try visit for a perfect country getaway at a friendly pub with a welcoming team who will make you feel at home. We have a huge amount of repeat visitors - once you've visited us you'll want to come back!