Cat, West Hoathly

The Cat Inn is a 16th century free house, with four bedrooms, set in the picturesque village of West Hoathly, a hilltop village set in the heart of the Sussex countryside. It is within easy distance from the towns of East Grinstead and Haywards Heath and only 25 minutes from Gatwick Airport. Sitting high on a spur of the Sussex Weald, the village is a haven for walkers, ideally placed on the Western edge of the Ashdown Forest. There are a number of attractions within easy reach of the pub, including Wakehurst Place, Borde Hill Gardens, Nymans, The Bluebell Railway, Sheffield Park, Lingfield Race Course, Standen, Pooh Bridge and the Priest House and Museum in West Hoathly village. The pub retains oak beams and two inglenook fireplaces. There is a terrace where drink and food can be consumed in the summer months. This free house prides itself in the quality of its real ale, and concentrates on local breweries, such as Harvey's of Lewes and other smaller breweries. Food is cooked to order, using fresh, seasonal and where possible locally sourced ingredients. The Cat is reputedly the oldest building in the village and comprises a maze of cosy rooms. Closed Mon & Tues.