Fox Inn, The

"Sussex, good old Sussex by the Sea" says the song, and at this enterprising gastropub only thirty miles from the sea, we have one of the most interesting seafood cuisines to be found in the Southern Counties of England, The Fox Inn is open for food seven days a week, serving until 10 pm, or later by arrangement. The Fox Inn may be imitated, but is never equalled, and with its range of notable beers and extensive wine list, all interests are well served.

Located on the A281, midway between Horsham, Guildford, Billingshurst and Cranleigh, and therefore as convenient for residents of Surrey as well as for those from Sussex, The Fox offers ample parking and a very warm welcome from the owners Simon and Erika Godsland. It dates from the 16th century, with plenty of exposed wood and an inglenook fireplace that comes into its own when climate warming drops its guard. Outside there are large attractive gardens.

Whilst seafood is predominant on the extensive menu, it is by no means exclusive, and those having a no-fish-day can still thoroughly enjoy themselves. To assist decisions there is a selection of rustic breads, olives and roasted garlic before toying between the relative merits of a half dozen oysters or seafood pancakes filled with crab and cod served with a lobster sauce. Mushrooms stuffed with paté come with a garlic mayonnaise.

For those who believe that a good fish pie is hard to beat, Foxy's take, which includes salmon, prawns and lobster, is just about as good as it gets. That much under-appreciated magpie of the sea, the mackerel, comes baked as one, which means it will be a good young fish.

The classic dish, Coquille St Jacques, King scallops served in a shell with creamed potato, saffron and cheese sauce, is always a delight, and for the real enthusiast a whole lobster and prawn Thermidor almost tops the bill, if it was not for the truly spectacular seafood platter where it is almost simpler to identify the seafood not included!

Not to be idly passed by is the impressive array of that hardy British favourite, fish and chips, with several variations on the theme, including huss, which for those of you who didn't know is a long pointed sea fish with light brown skin and a cream belly. Now you know, tell everyone that you read about it on restaurant-guide.com!

For the rest there are handmade Cumberland sausages, a 10oz fillet steak joined with a slab of Stilton, or a homemade 10oz burger engulfed by melted Stilton, then topped with bacon, and the vegetarians are not forgotten either, with cakes made from sweet potato, leek and chestnut, and served with a splendidly sticky onion relish

The path of indulgence is explored still further, this time by Foxy's wickedly rich chocolate mousse and there are the customary selections of ice creams and sorbets, with Stilton, Brie and Cheddar cheeses to tempt the seriously hungry.

The wine list will take you on a tour of the world, with a good range by the glass and prices that are calculated not to ruin your meal. Menus and wine lists are often updated so it would be best to check online.

The Fox Inn has a well developed social programme, including their own golf club, and is renowned for supporting charitable work. Find out more about these activities, special events and parties through their excellent and regularly up-dated Website.