The Merrie Harriers

Someone from this business manages this listing.

#21 of 39 Restaurants in HailshamRR - RRR, Bar, British, Vegetarian friendly

+44 1323 833108+ Add website

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Hours

Sun

11:30 - 0:00

Mon

11:00 - 15:0018:00 - 0:00

Tue

11:00 - 15:0018:00 - 0:00

Wed

11:00 - 15:0018:00 - 0:00

Thu

11:00 - 15:0018:00 - 0:00

Fri

11:30 - 0:00

Sat

11:30 - 0:00

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What is Travellers’ Choice?

Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.

Ratings and reviews

4.0

188 reviews

#21 of 39 Restaurants in Hailsham

RATINGS

Food

Service

Value

Atmosphere

Details

Someone from this business manages this listing.

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PRICE RANGE

R 0.00 – R 356.00

CUISINES

Bar, British, Pub

Special Diets

Vegetarian friendly

meals, features

Location and contact

Cowbeech, Hailsham BN27 4JQ England

+44 1323 833108

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Can a gluten free person get a good meal at this restaurant?

Yes

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Details

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PRICE RANGE

R 0.00 – R 356.00

CUISINES

Bar, British, Pub

Special Diets

Vegetarian friendly

Meals

Lunch, Dinner, After-hours

FEATURES

Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Table Service

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4.0

188 reviews

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Very good

Average

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Terrible

Hanumana

United Kingdom71 contributions

Pub Grub

Jun 2021 • none

The greatest asset of this village pub is its garden, with comfortable seating arrangements, and the lovely views of the Sussex countryside stretching to the horizon (pylons excepted). The interior of this historic building is similar to many such establishments, with beams, nooks, massive fireplace etc. There is also a modern dining room/function extension. The menu should provide enough for most tastes. I had the Crispy Duck, which was generous and perfectly cooked. The disappointment was the Hoisin sauce which was too salty, heavy and glutinous.It came garnished with boiled potatoes and perfect avocados. My partner had steak and kidney pie, which she proclaimed as also "perfect". The only other negative came from the lo-oong waits for the starter and main courses. So no place to go for a quick bite.

Written 12 June 2021

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

john s

1 contribution

Can't fault The Harriers after eating 3 times there;

Apr 2022 • family

First time we were there as a foursome, for a Sunday lunch (Feb 27th) Brilliant roast, superb meat, beautiful veg, lovely home made Yorkshire. Very impressed as this was our first visit there to what used to be our local 40 years ago. Then Mum passed away so we wanted somewhere for a family meal the evening after the funeral. James, the landlord, was amenable and helpful from the word go and it turned into a roast and desert for 30 family (Friday 29th April). He gave us the garden room which was ideal. The food lived up to all our expectations; a tough audience as 2 of the relatives have run their own cookery schools! James and the staff were spot on with friendly service and the food all came out quickly, efficiently and piping hot. The evening before this big event My wife and I also ate in The Harriers. (Thurs 28th Apr) On that occasion we both had Seabass on a Chorizo base. Very tasty. For those who compare it to mass-market pubs, you stick with going to those, as the Merrie Harriers is definitely in a much higher league

Written 8 May 2022

Golfing-Steve

Lewes555 contributions

What a cracking venue for not so dry January

Jan 2024 • friends

It's lunchtime in January. No one has any money because of Christmas spending and the incoming tax bill and it's two days after 'Blue Monday', widely reckoned to be the most miserable day of the year for most. I had recovered from a cancer operation and my friend has been suffering a frozen shoulder for many long weeks so we decided to cheer ourselves up and meet for lunch midway between our respective homes. And what a treat it was. A friendly welcoming landlord and two blazing coal fires in both of the bars. I don't do dry January but having given up beer for a couple of months as my post Christmas diet regime had a cracking Hastings gin and tonic while my pal eased into a crisp pale ale. He doesn't have to worry about his waist like I do! We decided to go for a light lunch with some breaded brie for me and crispy fried chilli beef on a salad bed for my friend. We both enjoyed ours so much that we decided that maybe dietary requirements could and should be sacrificed and, after all, there was salad with it so we simply swopped orders and had what the other had had for seconds. We agreed that our choices were spot on! The wine selection is limited being pretty much red, white and rosé but the red we had was rich and tasty and, most of all, good value. On leaving, as sadly no coffee was available as the delivery was not due until the following day, we agreed that we had both found a new halfway house to enjoy each others' company and a great value, well cooked pub lunch to boot in a proper old pub, the way that they used to be when my friend and I were were young. We won't be that much older before we go back.

Written 17 January 2024

Elaine Cornford

East Sussex5 contributions

Disappointed first venture out after covid restrictions lifted

Jun 2021 • friends

Spent ages trying to find suitable venue for meeting close friends after 18 months of not being able to due to covid. I wanted somewhere quaint quiet clean and on the flat as just 5 weeks ago had spinal surgery. What a disappointment friends travelled from some distance to accommodate me As I cannot travel at the present time. I was pleased that there was no one else in the pub at the time of arrival. We ordered coffees took our seats whilst masked and removed them once we were sat having all signed in as protocol depicts. I just wish the landlord had given us some time to drink a coffee without continually asking if we were ready to order. After not seeing one another for 18 months we obviously had a lot to say. I very politely had to ask the landlord could he please give us some time. When eventually we did order I was very disappointed to find that the so-called "lite bites" We're very limited and really just consisted of chips sweet potato chips and a few other things that really weren't appealing nothing like a ploughman's or a traditional pub sandwich. The pub deserves to be respected for the tradition that it is and I was deeply disappointed. I believe the landlord could have possibly had a little bit more pleasantries with customer service as well. I found him to be very straight-faced with no warmth or welcome. I have lived in the village for many years and have not frequented the Merrie Harrier's as living on the doorstep one tends to go further afield. It is such a shame because I would have enjoyed visiting again with friends for coffee had the atmosphere been more relaxed and welcoming and the menu a little more choiceful for a light bite. There are very few places now to enjoy a coffee so the need is definitely there if the right choice of menu should be available. I see that for perhaps an evening meal the menu maybe more inviting or if I wanted to go in for a drink to my local then perhaps maybe. Making the choice of going and sitting for coffee with friends to enjoy a sandwich or a ploughman's is obviously something not required. Therefore in future we shall be seeking another venue such a shame for the building itself deserves to be full of friends meeting and greeting and enjoying the history which lies within the walls.

Written 18 June 2021

Barbie C

1 contribution

Disappointment with Xmas meal

Dec 2021 • none

On Friday evening , myself and four friends went for our Christmas meal at £ 29..50 a head !! The table was unlaid. (no table -cloth, No Mats , table was sticky , and also chipped in places.) The food was almost inedible, the vegetables NOT COOKED, ( left uneaten on the plate ) The starter ( Salmon ?? ) was also not up to a reasonable standard also . (Tasteless ) Pudding was only thing we all enjoyed ( Creme Brûlée ) Without doubt we will not be using this facilities EVER AGAIN . We have experienced of good Christmas meals locally .

Written 18 December 2021

James C

Hi there, We sincerely apologise for your experience here at the Merrie Harriers. As a traditional country pub we have never used table cloths or mats and unfortunately can’t help our wooden tables being chipped. We never like to have any of our customers leave disappointed and unfortunately nothing was said regarding quality of food or unsatisfactory dishes on the evening, so we couldn’t do anything to rectify this. Had we of known that you were unhappy with you meal that night and not 4 days later via internet, we would have ensured your evening was more enjoyable. Thank you, The Merrie Harriers

Written 22 December 2021

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Curiosity97043

1 contribution

Anniversary

Jun 2022 • couples

I would have put zero in the review if it had allowed me to. It was definitely the worst meal we have ever eaten out. It was like a very badly overcooked school dinner. The whole thing was smothered in gravy, the broccoli was well past its use by date and had been boiled to within an inch of its life. The cabbage, soaked in gravy was also boiled till barely recognisable. The Yorkshire was overcooked and inedible. The chicken, frankly, tasted off. The roast potatoes were hard as rocks and were not roasted just barely boiled with oil on outside. For 18 pounds a head it was very unpleasant to say the least. We ate only less than 50%. When we paid the bill which we should not have done, in fact we should have returned it when it was delivered to the table, the young lady asked if everything was OK, we said no, we asked her did she want to know why and we told her. She said she would tell the chef and there was nothing she could do. We will be ringing Wednesday to speak to the manager.

Written 26 June 2022

CAAbcfc

Zurich295 contributions

Irritated to say the least on this occasion....

May 2022 • none

Turned up for dinner having previously dined here superbly. Landlord promptly said his chef was away and his relief couldn't be bothered to turn up. Probably a rare occurrence but nevertheless disappointing for a customer who had driven out there specially to dine.

Written 23 May 2022

John S

1 contribution

Great traditional English pub

Apr 2023 • couples

Just had a great Sunday roast. From someone who isn’t a great fan of Sunday roasts this one was a really nice home cooked meal. Lovely pub. Not trying to be a party pub or a gastronomic destination it’s that warm, laid back, traditional English country pub that’s becoming hard to find. What I liked about the roast was the great variety of veg given on the plate. Roast potatoes that had a bit of crispness to them and a lovely gravy.

Written 24 April 2023

Jo D

10 contributions

Friday night dinner

Jul 2021 • family

Friendly and welcoming manager and staff, comfortable spacious pub and all COVID measures in place, felt very safe. Menu a good mix of traditional and a little out of the ordinary, all well cooked generous and delicious. Steaks tasty and good quality. Being dog friendly was a big reason we chose this pub and she loved being made a fuss of! Many of clientele clearly regulars, always a good sign.

Written 2 July 2021

David C

18 contributions

Very unfriendly

May 2024 • family

Never have I visited a pub with such an unfriendly landlord My wife and I are 77 years of age and on sticks. Our car had broken down and we were attempting to contact RAC Rescue. We needed help but none was forthcoming from this unhelpful and not busy publican We settled with drinks in the pub garden but the wait for rescue which we finally achieved was to be long We were stressed, exhausted and very hot A waiter came into the garden and we asked if, in our circumstances, another round of drinks could be brought to us After consulting the landlord the assistant returned to decline us. Those people around us were equally horrified We had no drinks and left after I had had a strong altercation with the most unpleasant landlord, James Never again will I visit this local pub

Written 11 May 2024

Fay L

4 contributions

What a treasure. I'm glad we found it! 😁

Aug 2024 • family

What a fabulous treasure of a pub. The garden with a view to die for over the lovely Sussex countryside. It has a lovely terraced area where we ate outside on a generous table. My vegan food was excellent. Empty plates all round. We had friendly and attentive service by the staff and landlord. Prices were pretty average for Sussex. On the Saturday night we went it was fairly empty which was surprising considering the quality of the experience. We loved it. Highly recommended.

Written 11 August 2024

Tedwestie1

Send227 contributions

Thoroughly enjoyable visit

May 2021 • couples

Stopped for lunch, and absolutely delighted with the pub, and really welcomed. Sat out the back in the scenic garden in comfortable chairs, and had amazing service by the staff.. Food was amazing, steak warm sandwich and turkey warm sandwich were lovely, and came with chips, just want we wanted. WIll definitely return

Written 29 May 2021

lovelife

London53 contributions

Dropped in for Sunday lunch.

Aug 2023 • family

And was amazed that they had room for us! Beautiful view lovely garden AND fantastic Sunday roast. The service was great, patient as there was 7 of us who couldn’t decide! Roasts were superb, huge portions! Burger good and the vegetarian options good. Lovely lunch.

Written 15 September 2023

Feverman

Devon13 contributions

Wow! A pub to remember in deepest Sussex

Oct 2023 • couples

Superb pub. Very friendly landlord, excellent food (Sea Bass cooked to perfection, Hunter's Chicken Burger excellent, and Chocolate Bread Pudding and Ice Cream to die for!!). Good atmosphere, reasonable prices, great service. Will definitely visit again.

Written 5 October 2023

Mark P

Faversham117 contributions

Excellent country pub

Oct 2023 • family

Came here for lunch to celebrate a 60th wedding anniversary. Its a lovely country pub. Food is really good. And unusual to find a pub with such good choice for vegetarians. Wish it was closer to home.

Written 26 October 2023

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