Throughout Sussex and Kent we’re blessed with an abundance of village pubs but if I were to select the perfect specimen I would choose our local, the Hare and Hounds, Framfield.
It really does have everything going for it:
- History – tick
- Inglenook fireplace – tick
- Genial hosts – tick
- Cozy atmosphere – tick
- Fabulous food – tick
- Local beers and cider – tick
- Occasional entertainment – tick
- Beer garden – tick
And it’s the heart of the local community.
It hasn’t always been this way. A pub’s success isn’t just bricks and mortar, it’s very much as a result of the hosts. Lorraine and Pete are two of the best. They are friendly, relaxed, easy to chat with and incredibly efficient and running the pub.
You couldn’t wish for a more historic place as the pub’s been around in one form or another since 1428! You can imagine highwaymen or Sussex smugglers making use of its quiet corners, plotting their next move.
The décor is at once modern and fresh with wooden floors and updated toilet facilities but very much in-keeping with its past, displaying old village photos, quirky curiosities and the obligatory low beams (Duck or Grouse).
In winter, wholesome food is served either in the side laid out with restaurant tables or the more casual bar area and in summer you can eat in the garden if you prefer. A full menu is on offer at lunchtimes and evenings until 8:30pm. Sunday roasts are very popular. I’d strongly recommend booking ahead if you plan to eat. The pub holds the top level “5” Food Hygiene Rating.

The fully stocked bar twinkles with all manner of delights with a large selection of whiskies, gin and top quality wines and champagne. There are also real ales and our very own Big Nose & Beardy locally produced cider. The pub also serves Harvey’s Sussex Best Bitter – from the brewery locally based in Lewes. Lorraine and Pete can proudly boast that they’ve been voted local CAMRA Branch Pub of the Year for 2020, 2021 and 2022.
There are comfortable overstuffed couches and armchairs clustered around the inglenook fireplace, filling the place with that warm, comforting open fire smell.

There’s a large and well-maintained car park that fills up on popular nights and on days when there’s a funeral being held in the village church across the road. The pub is popular for the after-service wake.
Throughout the year, the pub puts on various events. There’s occasional music and a very well attended Open Mic night twice a month (2nd and 4th Thursday from 8pm). In the summer, music is held in the large garden that boasts a covered stage, a marquee and open lawn with tables and benches and a children’s play area.
Children fill the pub each year just before Christmas when Santa makes an appearance. For 2023 it’ll be on Saturday, 23 December between 11am & 1pm.

If you’ve yet to visit the Hare & Hounds, now is a great time to go. The Christmas decorations both inside and out are quite stunning. A very large, real Christmas tree welcomes you outside the pub and stepping through the door is like entering a fairy grotto. It is simply magical. Lorraine and her staff have truly excelled this year.
Feel free to take the family, including the pooch, as the pub is dog friendly – dog treats are served, has disabled access, baby changing facilities and there’s free WiFi available. Something for everyone, just as you’d expect from a village pub that’s the hub of the village.
The only thing missing is Sky Sports… THANK GOD!
The pub is open 6 days a week, closed Mondays.
Hare & Hounds, The Street, Framfield, Uckfield, East Sussex, TN22 5NJ
Tel: 01825 890118