Among the vineyards

The Half Moon, South Downs

A few decades ago, the idea of English wine was something of a joke. Yet homegrown bottles of red, white and rosé, still and sparkling, are now gathering global awards, and sunny Sussex is one of the top counties for production. Which makes the garden – the huge garden – of this pub in Plumpton the perfect place to sip a glass, say, of Hindleap Seyval Blanc from Bluebell Vineyard Estates. (Ale is local too, from Harvey’s WillyWonka-style brewery in Lewes or from Rectory Ales, set up by the vicar of All Saints in Plumpton Green to fund church repairs.)

Climb up on to the South Downs, which nudge so close to The Half Moon they’re like a back garden wall, and you’ll spot the distinctive stripes of vineyards tucked into the foot of the baize-turfed hills. Views stretch long over the Weald to the north, and south towards the Channel, while summer wildflowers daub the nearer ground, drawing the flutter of rare butterflies.

And if you’d like some food with your drink, the kitchen serves everything from sandwiches to pan seared sea bass, and the bar in the garden is renowned for its ice cream, especially the black coconut flavour.

WALK HERE: Turn to Walk 4 MORE INFO: thehalfmoonplumpton. co.uk/; 01273 890253