Sussex Barn — Restaurant in Horsham

After seeing the food advertised online, my friends and i decided to go to the Sussex Barn Flaming Grill for dinner. we live about half an hours drive away.

I was excited to try one of their challenges, the Defeat the Meat 24oz steak.

When we ordered, the waitress decided to only tell us that there would be an hour wait after all three of us had ordered and paid, quite a long time to wait for seeing as the pub was less than a quarter full at the time, but we let it slide and had a few beers and waited for our food.

Being advertised as a real ale pub was a bit of a let down as there was only 1 beer on the pump, Old Speckled Hen, I think the CAMRA endorsement is a bit of a red herring.

When my meal came, the steak didn't look like it was a full 24oz and despite the majority of it being a medium rare as i ordered, it was still chewy, tough and seemed to be a cheap cut of meat riddled with fat and connective tissue, with the outside overly charred in places. It wasn't bad enough to warrant refusal to eat, but certainly was a disappointment and, after taking into account the very reasonable £16 price of the meal, still didn't seem like value for money.

The chips were clearly ones that had been cooked some hours before and left in a heat tray, the grilled tomato was raw and the peas tasted like they again had also been cooked hours before and left in a warmer.

The gravy was cold and came in a tiny pot, where a gravy boat was advertised.

One friend ordered the dipping burger and he didn't get any gravy, the defining aspect of the dipping burger, as apparently it had run out, but he wasn't told this when ordering or when the food was delivered, my other friend ordered the Surf and Turf and had his Chicken breast left off the order and had to ask for it to be added.

Generally the Staff were apathetic and seemed disconnected, the place lacked atmosphere and there was little pride taken in customer service.

This is a huge disappointment as we made a point of travelling to the Sussex Barn on the back of the advertised food.

Maybe the food would be better at midday at the weekend, we went on a Tuesday and ordered dinner at 8pm, but even so, you expect a certain level of service at any time that food is advertised available.

We won't be...

Went here for an evening meal on Friday 8th October. It was a busy night for them especially as they had issues with the kitchen equipment breaking down, which meant they were cooking on 50% capacity, however, when our meals arrived, albeit longer than normal due to the problem, which we were aware of, the food was lovely. Everything from start to finish was a pleasant experience. When we arrived, Kevin (Manager) was working on the bar and acknowledged our presence and said he would not keep us waiting long - nice touch not to be ignored to be honest. He handled things so well under the pressure of waiting customers. Emily sat us down seconds after and explained the issues. She was courteous throughout despite working under pressure and Brandon was the same. 2 happy staff and truly courteous and accommodating. They were the main waiting staff and still smiled throughout, running from table to table, checking all was in order and kept the front of house public happy as I am sure some people would not be nice knowing they had to wait an hour or so for food. To be honest they did a sterling job! They had issues with water leaking through the ceiling in the toilets but all issues were clearly signed to avoid issues with trip hazards. Kevin clearly runs a tight ship and his staff are in the forefront of his mind, as well as serving himself, checking they were ok too. Maria the KP came out towards the end of the evening to check for things to wash - helping Emily and Brandon and it was a pleasure to have a short chat to her too. I would recommend Greene King support them quickly in the repairs to the building as they are busy enough without extra issues, however as I said it was all managed really well by all. I look forward to going back....

Partner and I ordered the corn dogs and breaded mushrooms for starters. Firstly we had to ask for cutterlery even though we had booked the table hours before. My corn dogs were ok at best, but my partners breaded mushrooms were not at all hot. I requested for them to be heated up and they were taken away.

The mushrooms were brought back and we were told by the chap that it was a 'fresh batch'. We found out how fresh when my partner took a bite of the first one and promptly spat it back out telling me it was frozen.

Naturally I complained and sure enough a third attempt later out comes a piping hot batch of breaded mushrooms. I had already eaten my starter by this time though.

Main course we had the American platter and cheese steak. I ordered my steak med rare. It came out unevenly cooked; half being medium rare the rest more well done. Again none of the food was exactly hot making you think it's been left plated up on the side for a while. My partners American platter was average. The mac and cheese it came with was bland and left practicality untouched.

At no point we were asked how are food was and it was up to you to seek out the waiters and waitresses from the elusiveness. Inevitably we left disappointed and in haste.

It's a shame as I have had good meals in the past. I wanted to try their new menu but it's definitely glammed up with poor quality ingredients. Judging by the cheap prices you get what you pay for really.

I personally won't be going back anytime in the future unless it becomes a...