The Jolly Tanners - Mid Sussex

We decided to dine here due to its close location to Nymans. The food was decent and the prices were fair. Overall, it was a satisfactory meal but nothing extraordinary.

We were regular visitors before the lockdowns and have returned for a second time in 2022. I wish that we hadn’t. I chose haddock and chips. No description was needed or so I thought! I asked for salad instead of chips which appeared not to be a problem. However, I received a small piece of grilled haddock sitting on rocket with a slice of lemon on the side. All for £15. The rest of the party had sausage egg and chips for £13. The sausage was very pale bordering on uncooked and the two fried eggs runny. No one asked about our meals. Disappointing! We will however, return for the beer. Awesome choices in beer and cider! Plenty of entertainment from the resident dog!

We had eaten here several times before, meeting friends halfway between London and Eastbourne. We had always struck lucky, even when bringing our extended families for an all age reunion of 16. Today, however, it was not to be. The outside gazebos had been replaced by a transparent plastic marquee type affair with no respite from the hot sun and, because of the loud noise from a neighbour's power hose (not the pub's fault, of course), we opted to eat inside. Sadly, however, inside reeked of a pungent smell varnish? old cheese? which contributed nothing to the enjoyment of the food. The young girl serving us was friendly and willing, but she was completely on her own no sign of the owners and was struggling to cope. We all four ordered starters and mains but 2 of the mains were already unavailable by 1pm, and one of the starters got forgotten completely. The starter I had calamari with pee puree, black pudding and bacon looked and tasted as though it had been semi prepared yesterday, put in the fridge and assembled just before serving. Both the bacon and the calamari were half cooked and limp. It could have been such a delicious dish what a shame... We decided not to tempt fate with puddings but the men wanted another pint sorry, the barrel is empty, it will take 15 minutes. Suffice it to say that we are now researching alternative pubs for our next meeting...

Returned for a few pints last week after an absence of about eight months. So pleased to report that The Tanners has returned to its former glories. Tried three different ales, including two that were brewed especially for the jubilee. All were excellent. Well done, Chris! After a three hour walk from Crawley, it’s great to be enjoying the beer there again.

The staff were very friendly and having gluten-free food was no problem. We also had small children who were well catered for, both with the food and the play area outside. Our family were with us and their dog was very happy in the large enclosed garden with plenty of balls to play with! I was told that another time if I let them know we are coming they can make sure there are even more gf options on the menu. thanks for a delicious meal and a lovely place to enjoy it!