Nestling in the undulating Sussex Downs, the Berwick Inn is a popular destination for discerning customers looking for quality home-cooked food, made from only the freshest produce available in the region, and all at reasonable prices to boot. On arrival, Matthew Crisp who runs this delightfully snug pub and restaurant with his sister-in-law, Samantha Norris, welcomed us. We were ushered into the main body of the inn and were delighted to find that this is a family-oriented pub where one can choose to eat in the bar, conservatory or dedicated restaurant area. The comfortable, recently-refurbished interior has a genuine country feel.
Antipasto was my starter of choice - a delectable and generous concoction of Parma ham, chorizo and Milano salami served with a simple green salad, tomato pesto and artisan bread. I followed this with Dover sole, simply grilled and fresh as the sea breezes wafting over Newhaven Harbour. My friend opted for crispy breadcrumb-coated chicken goujons served with a green leaf salad and a piquant chilli sauce to begin, then a luscious rib-eye steak served with beef tomatoes, mushrooms, onion rings and hand-cut chips. We were now so full that we pooled a pudding, plumping for scrumptious homemade summer cheesecake with fresh whipped cream. As well as lunch and dinner sittings all week, there is a Sunday carvery teamed with live jazz and, with the prospect of barbecues to look forward to in the summer, the Berwick Inn is definitely worth earmarking for a visit.
