The Anchor Inn, Hartfield

I�m glad I didn�t read these early reviews before trying this pub. I often pass through Hartfield, either walking or by car, and decided to stop for lunch one Saturday in summer. The food was good, the environment friendly and have been back regularly ever since. The �Friday night is steak night� is fantastic, and go their most Sundays for lunch as well. Not sure what people�s problems are with this pub but I have no problem. It is the village pub, open for most of the time, and suits me. Clearly not for posers who wear beach clothes and sit drinking colourful cocktails. The forest area is full of pubs who do very good food, this one gives better value so I eat there more often and without thought. The only thing you have to be weary of is that they serve seasonable vegetables, which will be locally grown and could be turnips, parsnips or carrots, depending on the time of year. Not my favourites, so I select from the menu accordingly.

I gather from the reviews that it is in new ownership. Possibly the adverse reviews relate to different times. They do get good reviews in �trip advisor� for B&B, and my wife and I are considering using it as a weekend base cycling in the forest next summer.

Not sure how the rating system works, so I rate as clean, friendly, picturesque, rustic, good value and enjoyable. A nice country pub.

23 Dec 2011 09:15