The Cock Inn, Ringmer, Nr Lewes

The Cock Inn is a 16th century coaching inn that takes its name from the bygone era when a spare horse (The Cock Horse) was kept ready at the foot of a steep hill to assist another horse with a heavy load up the hill. Old maps show that there was stabling in the car park area up until the turn of the last century.

The Cock Horse, of course, was immortalised in the favourite children's nursery rhyme that depicted Queen Elizabeth 1 riding into Banbury Cross aboard a large white stallion, after the Queen's carriage had broken a wheel on the steep climb up the hill.

The Cock has a wonderful unspoilt bar with original oak beams, a flag-stone floor and an Inglenook fireplace, where a log fire can be found from October to the end of May. Inside there is seating for 72 diners. Our large, newly carpeted, recently air-conditioned restaurant can easily cater for parties of up to 30 guests, whereas the snug and lobby areas can accommodate smaller, more intimate groupings.

Make use of our extensive gardens and patio on fine days.

The gardens and main restaurant have a westerly aspect giving unobstructed views across open fields to the South Downs and feature wonderful sunsets on clear evenings.

Dogs Welcome
Refreshments available including
water bowl and chew on the house!