The Bell in Ticehurst, East Sussex

The Bell sits slap bang in the middle of the High Street in Ticehurst with its pretty local arts and crafts shops (like The Old Haberdashery and Greenfinch), on the Kent-Sussex border.

By car: The Bell is easily accessible from the M25/M26/M20, 25 minutes by car from Royal Tunbridge Wells or just over 90 minutes from London, and provides on-site parking.
By train: Wadhurst station is a 12-minute drive away, serviced by Southeastern trains from London Charing Cross (1 hour) and Hastings (30 minutes). thetrainline.com

The Bell is welcoming to all, but the curious décor appeals to more eclectic tastes. The oast house-style lodges in the garden are particularly cute, like something from Enid Blyton's The Faraway Tree. Inside the pub the décor is eccentric, with top hat lamps, giant stacks of books, eagle cuckoo clocks and neon signs.

Staff are helpful and friendly. We love the communal firepit hidden away in the garden. Although only for lodge guests, it's pretty special.

• Bar
• Restaurant
• Terrace
• Garden

• Garden lodges

• Children's meals

• Family rooms

• Dog-friendly

• Board games/puzzles

• Events

• Wedding venue

Guests hunker down in one of the seven rooms in the main inn or in one of the four cutesy lodges in the garden. You could quite happily stay in any room or lodge and completely fall in love with it. They are all so unique.

All rooms: king-sized or super king-sized beds with handmade Somnus mattresses, feather duvet and pillows, en-suite bathroom with Arran Aromatics toiletries
All lodges: set in their own gardens, king-sized or super king-sized beds with handmade Somnus mattresses, feather duvet and pillows, en-suite bathroom with Arran Aromatics toiletries

The Colombian chef brings brilliant South American flavours to the gastropub menu. The kitchen toast was a standout for us: sourdough topped with poached eggs, crispy bacon and avocado, the breakfast of champions.

The Bell restaurant: gastropub menu with a South American twist. Mains from £14.50-£25. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The Bell bar: historic, warm and comfortable with a good range of beers and wine.