The Jolly Sportsman
Chapel Lane, East Chiltington, four miles from Lewes · Inn
View on Google MapsPhoto: The Jolly Sportsman
A dining pub with rooms in East Chiltington, a quiet village on the Downs a short drive from Lewes.
Photos
Photos via Google
About The Jolly Sportsman
The Jolly Sportsman is a restaurant-led pub with rooms tucked away in East Chiltington, a small village on the northern edge of the South Downs about four miles from Lewes. The pub is best known locally for its kitchen, which focuses on seasonal, locally sourced cooking and a well-chosen wine list, alongside a handful of comfortable bedrooms for overnight guests.
Its rural setting, with a large garden and outdoor bar, gives it a genuinely quiet, countryside feel that is hard to find within Lewes itself, while still being close enough for an easy day trip into town or onward to Brighton. Dog-friendly rooms and a relaxed, unhurried pace make it popular with couples and walkers exploring this part of the Downs.
Guests staying here should expect a destination dining pub first and a hotel second: the emphasis is firmly on the food and wine, with the rooms designed as a comfortable extension of an evening spent at the table rather than a full hotel service.
Reception hours
- Monday
- 12:00 – 10:00 PM
- Tuesday
- 12:00 – 10:00 PM
- Wednesday
- 12:00 – 11:00 PM
- Thursday
- 12:00 – 11:00 PM
- Friday
- 12:00 – 11:00 PM
- Saturday
- 12:00 – 11:00 PM
- Sunday
- 12:00 – 9:00 PM
Current hours may differ from the usual schedule above (e.g. holidays) — check Google Maps for today's hours.
What guests say
Booked the Jolly Sportsman to attend a wedding and travelled from Wirral. Had no expectations as we booked online and have been disappointed in the past with other bookings. The JS did not meet our expectations…it exceeded them. This place is a gem. Great room, great views, great food, great garden and wonderful staff. My wife and I loved every second of our stay so much we have booked to come back next year.
a week ago · via Google
We always love visiting the Jolly Sportsman, but this is our first time since it was refurbished and we had the loveliest lunch. The new decor looks great, the food was delicious and the staff were excellent - we went with my toddler and baby and they made such an effort to chat with them and include them in our meal. Thank you - we look forward to another visit soon!
a month ago · via Google
We stayed here for a Sunday night as we spent the afternoon at a local vineyard wine tasting, then came back for a roast dinner in the early evening. The room was lovely which had tea and coffee machine with fresh milk in the fridge as well as bottled water etc.
a month ago · via Google
Got to be one of the nicest pub/restaurants in Sussex. We sat in the beautiful garden and had exquisite English wines and 1st rate food. I can highly recommend the Stone Bass! The service was great.
2 months ago · via Google
Diners like this pub's delicious food, including hearty roasts and well-prepared pork belly, and appreciate the wide selection of English sparkling wines. They also highlight the lovely outdoor spaces and gardens, which offer a country feel. Guests mention the staff are friendly and welcoming, providing excellent service.
Summary via Google
At a glance
- Address
- Chapel Lane, Lewes, BN7 3BA Get directions
- Property type
- Inn
- Location
- Chapel Lane, East Chiltington, four miles from Lewes
- Star rating
- 3 star
- Guest score
- 8.9 / 10 (520 reviews)
- Prices from
- £110 per night
- Good for children
- Yes
- Good for groups
- Yes
- Booking required
- Yes
- Destination
- Lewes