Simplicity is the key to some of the delicious food that emerges from the kitchen of Pilgrims, located in the shadow of the abbey, on the site of a 12th century monastic hospital. Today, the building has been refurbished extensively and this Grade 2 listed restaurant is a family friendly rustic café and restaurant. The uncomplicated menu focuses on using fresh natural ingredients without masking them with unnecessary flavours, and everything is locally produced. This is wholesome food prepared with complete dedication, where fish is served whole, meat and game are cooked in their own juices or char grilled with a few seasonal herbs.

In summer, try out the chilled soup and then move on to a selection of hors d'oeuvres such as smoked seafood, chicken liver parfait, crudités and mayonnaise. After that, there's blackened butterflied leg of lamb, spring onion and cherry tomatoes, ending with a lemon tart and Northiam dairy cream. The Pilgrims is a wonderful venue for receptions, particularly at night when the entire building is candlelit.