The Star Inn, Alfriston

Disappointing! As we have a dog, we chose The Star Hotel as it was recommended on the 'Doggie Pubs website. We travelled down from London on Bank Holiday Monday to walk along the South Downs Way, which bisects Alfriston. The village itself is very pretty with some interesting shops, if you like that sort of thing, and was thronged by other walkers and folk out for the day.

The Star is reputed to be one of the oldest inns in the country and from the outside, certainly gave the impression of offering a convivial atmosphere on a cold December day. Given the extent of passing trade, the Star could be expected to be competing with the other two inns in the village.

Unfortunately, this establishment didn't embrace this opportunity. Once seated in the bar, we became aware that despite the (admittedly) 'real-effect' fire, the room was cool - even when holding my hand above the flames, there was little warmth emanating from it! We ordered non-alcoholic drinks (driving), and food from a menu that appeared to be above average pub grub in terms of choice.
Service was patchy - although not heaving, there were enough customers to flummox the staff. Our order was processed without problem, but we did notice other customers' departure from 'the script' left the staff bewildered. An Irish Coffee took ten minutes to make , a dessert order of two ice cream scoops was unnecessarily protracted.

Our food was served relatively swiftly, but was dire... reheated frozen chips, a generic steak (gristle) and mushroom pie, served so hot I burnt my mouth and a paltry serving of tired and tasteless 'braised red cabbage'. My partner's omelette was not cooked through - it takes a pretty awful chef not to be able to cook an omelette. Considering this is a hotel that offers banqueting and function facilities in addition to the restaurant and bar food,the management must reconsider the menu in terms of provenance, preparation and presentation. Our cutlery came wrapped in a paper napkin that was unpleasantly stuck together with an unknown substance and could not be unfolded. The bill was expensive for a very poor excuse of a meal.
Having since read reviews of this inn and its neighbours in Alfriston, it seems we escaped reasonably lightly. Furthermore, a mile or so up the road is the Cricketers at Berwick - just off the A27 - which has glowing reviews. We wish we'd gone there first!

29 Dec 2010 12:00