The Sussex Cricketers

The weekend weather is definitely confirming that roast season is upon us, and I’m not mad about it! We love a good roast in this house. For me, roast season actually kicked off last month when I visited @thesussexcricketer run by Indigo Leisure (the same team behind Preston Park Tavern). Since its revamp last year, the venue has allowed a great balance between being a lively sports pub and a genuinely family friendly eatery

I’ve had a roast here a few times now, and it’s always been a winner. Preston Park Tavern has long had a great reputation for Sunday roasts, and Sussex Cricketers is no different. This time I went for the pork belly with a side of stuffing balls (the cauliflower cheese comes as standard, which is a nice touch). The pork came with perfectly crispy crackling, well seasoned vegetables, and an impressively oversized Yorkshire pudding, a great combination. My only small critique was the gravy, while I’m a big gravy fan, there was a little too much this time, which overpowered some of the flavours. Still, it was a very enjoyable roast. We also ordered the beef, which I think edged out the pork as the better option so that’s definitely my choice for next time. The kids’ roasts are excellent value, generously portioned, and even come with a dessert to encourage clean plates. We tried the chicken roast, which went down very well. I also appreciated the thoughtful detail of child sized cutlery, another sign of how family friendly the place is. Another bonus, for those who aren’t roast fans, a regular Sunday menu is still available, with plenty of small plates and main dishes to choose from. It means there’s genuinely something for everyone, which is great when you’re visiting with a group

Overall, I really enjoy coming here. The atmosphere is warm and relaxed, even when the sport is on and the south facing terrace is perfect for sunny days. Definitely worth a visit, whether you’re bringing the family or fancy watching the football with a roast. Just be sure to book ahead, as it gets very busy!