The Black Horse

The Gladwin brothers have their roots embedded firmly in the chalky soil of West Sussex with their family vineyard at nearby Nutbourne, but they also own restaurants and pubs in London. Having taken over the village pub in Amberley, just a few miles from the vineyard, they've created a place where Sussex ingredients get to run free and a regional beer or two pours forth from the taps, while their own fizz, white and rosé take pride of place on the wine list. The main restaurant has a bright and breezy country feel, while the menu features T-bone and sirloin steaks by weight from their own cattle (did we mention they have a farm, too?). If the monkfish served with peperonata came down from Shetland, the menu keeps you in the loop, and it gets a gorgeous smokiness from the wood-fired BBQ. Clued-up staff are keen to engage with their customers. There's also a proper pub bar room and a dozen bedrooms, while the garden, with its Mediterranean planting and gazebo alcoves, offers decent shelter from those pesky showers.