The Jolly Sportsman in Lewes

Friday lunchtime. Wouldn't normally go for it but it was the BEST chicken breast we have ever had. Every dish we had was superb. Go here for a lovely country pub walk followed by the best food ever in a lovely country pub. What more do you want or need...

Lovely place but the food was average and a bit pricey. Had roast pork but move fat than pork

The food is good and the staff are very nice. The garden is really nice, great for kids to have a little around and explore the different areas.

Last visited 18 years ago, when it was super, so it is disappointing to have to post a poor review.First impression today was the pretty garden, where there was an unfortunate smell of drains.Indoors was basic and draughty, (rocky table), too dark to read the menu easily. Staff rather deadpan.As for the food: portions very small for the price and nothing special. No fish cutlery was laid.

Overall poor.This pub used to be excellent a few years ago. It’s looking shabby now. The garden tables and chairs look like they should be in a playground (bright pink and yellow) and the inside just seems a bit unloved.Despite booking, we were given a choice of a table in the bar next to the drinkers, facing the open front door on a cold windy night or moving to the conservatory, also by an open draughty door. Apparently this was due to Covid.The Wine menu was very limited. Who doesn’t have a New Zealand/Australian Sauvignon Blanc on the menu. The food menu was unappealing. We didn’t have starters as there was nothing that we fancied.The Pork belly was very salty and fatty. The desserts were better.The atmosphere was just a bit unwelcoming although our waitress was lovely.We wouldn’t return.

Truly a hidden gem , a place to go to recharge yourself after the lockdown. Beautiful scenery wonderful gardens and genuinely friendly staff. The food is always exelent and served swiftly. The whole experence is one you will want over and over again.

Lovely setting but (for price) food is mediocre, portion sizes very small and prices huge.I've been here many times before but this was the first time I ate under the new owners. Everyone was nice enough but it's nowhere near as good as it thinks it is. I highly recommend drinks and nibbles in the beautiful garden or indoors near the fire, but I certainly won't be eating here again.Also the Baylis and Harding hand-wash bottle seemed to have been refilled with something akin to toilet cleaner.

WONDERFUL FOOD AS ALWAYSIt’s disappointing to see that The Jolly Sportsman has recently received some negative feedback as this wasn’t the case when I visited.The food was as wonderful as ever and the restaurant was extremely busy. As we had the last sitting for Sunday lunch it left us with a limited choice for lunch but then you should expect this from a restaurant that is always packed.

I adore this pub. We’ve frequented it for many years to include all birthdays in the household. The new owners appear to be taking as much care of their guests as Bruce did. We just walked over with the dogs for a Sunday drink and crisps as we realise at Sunday lunchtime they are quite able to accommodate three orders of just chips. Lo & behold they did exactly that. With warmth and a smile. Wonderful service. Thank you, Jolly Sportsman!

If your looking for a cosy evening in a quiet corner of Sussex with open fires and a classy atmosphere - combined with first class fine dining - then the Jolly Sportsman will deliver. Great food for foodies in an unpretentious but stylish country setting and lovely friendly staff. Highly recommended - my dish of the day was the truffle risotto with oyster mushroom tempura. Literally packed with flavour