THE UPSCALE INN
THE HALFWAY BRIDGE, NEAR PETWORTH, WEST SUSSEX
WHY go
There can be few pubs in a more idyllic setting than The Halfway Bridge in glorious West Sussex. It’s nestled in the heart of the South Downs National Park and stands halfway between the historic towns of Midhurst and Petworth. The pub building itself began life as mill in the 17th century and became a coaching inn. As a result, it’s a gorgeous higgledy-piggledy building that oozes character and charm. With red-brick exposed walls, it’s made up of a central bar with hidden little alcoves and rooms leading off it.
A DINING EXPERIENCE
The menu is described as good pub food with flair and it doesn’t disappoint. We feasted on devilled lambs’ kidneys on home-baked wholemeal toast and pickled mackerel with a smoked salmon tartare, pavé of cod and roasted butternut squash with toasted pumpkin seed and sage crisps. It was so gorgeous we barely needed puddings but how could we resist sticky toffee pudding and coconut and lime panna cotta? The best way to enjoy the lot is washed down with an English sparkling wine made close by at the award-winning Upperton Vineyard. Prices are very reasonable, with our threecourse meal coming in at less than £40 a head.
A LUXURY STAY
Set a short walk behind the pub up a darling country lane is a converted stable block housing seven beautifully decorated rooms. Our suite had a huge sleigh bed, roll-top bath, relaxing seating area, tea and coffee facilities with a
small fridge and, best of all, fresh milk to really make your morning cuppa perfect!
WALKING WONDERS
After a feast of a breakfast – poached farm fresh eggs on granary toast, the finest Sussex pork sausages and bacon with tomatoes and black pudding – we headed off to the South Downs Way to walk part of the ancient track that straddles the South coast. Get ready to be truly wowed by breathtaking views from the top of these magnificent chalk hills. Alternatively, see the trees in their very autumn best with a walk that takes you through the 700 acres of historic Petworth Park. Stand among the towering oaks that now occupy the site where Henry VIII was believed to have dined after hunting. While King Henry may be long gone, deer still remain! BOOK IT A night’s stay for two at the Halfway Bridge on a B&B basis costs from £140. For more information, please visit halfwaybridge.co.uk or call 01798 861 281.