The Shepherd & Dog, Fulking — Restaurant in Mid Sussex

We booked for a party of 19, the first observation is extremely inadequate parking. On arrival in the pub we had to wait for ages, either outside in the cold or in the entrance constantly dodging people coming and going. We were eventually shown into a small extension/conservatory which was thick with cobwebs everywhere, hanging from the lights, the decorations, the corners of the room etc, we were squeezed into seating and tables, for example, 6 of us squeezed onto a 4 person table on uncomfortable wooden benches. The menu; very little choice, four mains, (of which one was not available) or a roast, had we not been with a party of people, on sighting the prices on the menu and great lack of choice, we would at this point have left, ridiculous prices, 16.00 for a burger and chips, which consisted of a lot of bun, a lot of salad and a very dry, tasteless, average sized burger, with a handful of fried potatoe chunks. the roasts were 16.00 to 18.00 (9.00 for childrens) so i expected an exceptional treat but alas no, i will say my beef was very nice but sprouts very undercooked with an awful taste to them, roast potatoes and parsnips left a lot to be desired, i believe reheated, the yorkshire pudding was very dry and like cardboard, the gravy watery and pretty tasteless (the cabbage and carrot/swede was nice) The lamb was very chewy and gristly , the pork just OK dessert was a joke 7.50 for a small toffee and apple tartlet, with a generous "teaspoon" of clotted cream and an egg cup full of lumpy custard, the tartlet was very burnt on top and i could barely eat the dessert due to this, i did inform a waitress but she just said she would inform the chef, gee thanks, (not sure if it was taken off the bill) will DEFINITLEY NOT be returning,...

So I went here yesterday and I was with my girl friend and another couple. We were served by the most lovely young lady, I didn't get her name but she had a black T-shirt on with colourful runestones as the design.

We got our meal really quickly and it was very 50/50. My girlfriend got the halloumi starter which was really good but her gnocchi main was really bad. I asked her to send it back but she's not like that so just ate half of it. On the other hand, my starter which was the squid was really bad, it was chewy and tasteless however, my main which was the burger was absolutely delicious! The other couple we were with said exactly the same as they both got the same starters.

We all had two drinks each, a three course meal each and I myself had three red wines. Our meal was reasonably priced and it came out about £150. So the price didn't reflect the quality of some of the food.

After an hour and a half- two hours, a male waiter came over and said "you've got 8 minutes guys" and I had literally just bought my third glass of wine and 10 minutes before, had just finished eating our deserts. The weather was absolutely horrific and when asked if there was any where we could sit/stand to finish our drinks we were told we can stand outside..

Any one with common knowledge knows that you have a time limit in restaurants however, we were not told that this particular weekend had a hour and a half limit. We had to rush to finish our drinks and left with only 10 minutes of relaxation after eating a three course meal.

It seems I'm only moaning and picking up on the negatives, so I want to reiterate on how lovey our waitress was and how some of the food we bought was really tasty! The setting of this pub is fantastic and the scenery really...

🧭 Meanderings 🗺️

🐑 For my Birthday Adventure on Sunday last we cycled through Chalk Lands to a picturesque Public House - The Shepherd & Dog of fulking.

You may ask, has she gone mad? How pub can be picturesque? Well, it can be and see it yourself!

⛰️ Located at the foot of National Trust South Downs and surrounded by magnificent nature with Fulking Spring running through the pub's grounds.

💚 Now, if you are into history then you will find plenty of it! Pub consist of two Grade II listed cottages that became a public house In circa 1800's. The name ‘Shepherd & Dog’ goes as far as 1841 according to the census. You can find more about its building and name history on their website!

💦 But that's not all - you can find a Grade II Listed Water Pump designed by John Ruskin himself and drinking fountain!

🍺 Albeit, if I were you I would have a nice pint of local beer and cider and mostly scrumptious meal at Shepherd and Dog rather than water!

🐕‍🦺 The place is dog and children friendly with different areas depending on your gusto. A chalk terrace above the road, back terrace, Children playing area, and my favourite... Benches and tables across the stream...

🌿 If you love nature, just as I do, then this is a perfect place for you! The stream is one of the rarest and richest habitats - a Chalk Stream! And the area is surrounded by wildflowers and bees!

🧆 But remember - book your table if you want to get some delicious food of theirs! They are very popular! And despite us not liking crowds, this place has so much space and such a merry atmosphere! Definitely...