This weekend, we visited National Trust Property, Bodiam Castle, in East Sussex. It was the second time we’d been, and was a stopping point after a trip from Tenterden on the Kent & East Sussex Railway.
We could have lunched at the Castle’s tearoom, which offers a variety of sandwiches, jacket potatoes, scones and more. As we were out for a milestone birthday celebration, though, we wanted something a little more exciting.
A walker who lives nearby stopped to talk while a few of us were sitting at a picnic bench. She highlighted the Castle Inn, just over the road from Bodiam Castle, as a decent lunch spot. Offering good food, dog-friendly dining and a warm welcome, she convinced us to give the place a go.
There were no tables inside, but we happily grabbed a couple of menus and headed to the garden. With its terraced seating area as well as a large expanse of lawn behind, it was, unsurprisingly, full of families and dog owners who’d had the same idea as us.
The menu (which I’ve shared below, as there’s only a sample menu on their website) is certainly varied. You’ll find traditional pub grub, like Ploughman’s lunches and pies. There are also more restaurant-like options (anyone for braised rabbit, pancetta and Parmesan pappardelle?) as well as starters, sides and desserts, plus a separate kids’ menu. The prices are a little punchy for pub food, but they’ve certainly got a captive audience, with not much else nearby…
A couple of members of our party went for a classic: the Castle Inn fish and chips (£18). The cider batter was golden and crispy, the fish nicely cooked. It came with chips, peas and plenty of tartare sauce, and they both devoured it!
The remaining two adults – me included – both went for a starter (with a side of chips, in my case). The salmon fishcake with cheesy leeks (£10) is well worth trying if it’s on the menu when you visit. Rather than your regular breaded affair, only the top and bottom were fried. This gave it a great look as well as a delicious contrast in textures. The flavourful fishcake featured plenty of salmon…and those cheesy leeks? They were beautiful. The veg had been cooked until tender, and the sauce was rich and flavourful without overpowering the fish.
I’m a big fan of a potato dipper. These scoop-shaped chips were lovely and crisp and served with the skins on, but while it was a decent portion, I think £5.50 was a little steep.
There was a bit of an issue when paying for the meal. Luckily my husband noticed that they were trying to charge him around £140 for four meals and five drinks before he paid, but the team rectified it apologetically. The team all seemed lovely, and with great food, a decent garden and beautiful views, it’s easy to see why The Castle Inn was so busy, regardless of the fact that there’s not much else nearby. We’d happily return!