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The Cat Inn

West Sussex, West Hoathly - Modern British - Pub with rooms - ££

Well-tended hilltop inn with food that's a cut above

Overall Rating: Good

Uniqueness:Does the establishment stand out in the context of the local area? Good

Deliciousness:How delicious is the food? Good

Warmth:How warm is the service and the hospitality in general? Very Good

Strength of recommendation:How enthusiastically and widely would you recommend the establishment? Very Good

Visitors confirm that all’s well at the ever-popular Cat Inn, a reimagined 16th-century hostelry with all the nooks, crannies, inglenooks, and oak beams you could wish for, plus a sunny terrace overlooking the local church. The place gets packed and cheery staff keep things rolling along brilliantly, although just about everyone is here for the food – thanks to a confident kitchen that delivers consistent crowd-pleasing dishes from a regular menu and a chalked-up specials board. Burgers, pies and battered line-caught haddock keep the traditionalists happy, and there’s room for the odd creative twist (pickled pineapple with ham, egg and chips). Otherwise, the kitchen shows off it skill with the likes of lamb tartare or St Austell mussels pepped up with harissa and dill. The home-baked beer bread is a winner, while ‘beautifully executed’ desserts might range from fig-leaf custard tart to apple and plum crumble. And on Sundays, the prospect of three ultra-tra...

Visitors confirm that all’s well at the ever-popular Cat Inn, a reimagined 16th-century hostelry with all the nooks, crannies, inglenooks, and oak beams you could wish for, plus a sunny terrace overlooking the local church. The place gets packed and cheery staff keep things rolling along brilliantly, although just about everyone is here for the food – thanks to a confident kitchen that delivers consistent crowd-pleasing dishes from a regular menu and a chalked-up specials board. Burgers, pies and battered line-caught haddock keep the traditionalists happy, and there’s room for the odd creative twist (pickled pineapple with ham, egg and chips). Otherwise, the kitchen shows off it skill with the likes of lamb tartare or St Austell mussels pepped up with harissa and dill. The home-baked beer bread is a winner, while ‘beautifully executed’ desserts might range from fig-leaf custard tart to apple and plum crumble. And on Sundays, the prospect of three ultra-traditional roasts guarantees regular full houses. Real ales from regional breweries sit alongside a well-spread wine list with some decent by-the-glass selections (including Sussex sparklers).

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C Iles

19 August 2026

The food and the service is absolutely outstanding, hard to find both these days. The menu is always changing and caters for all dietaries. Standout dishes homemade beer sourdough bread the crust is to die for and in the...
The food and the service is absolutely outstanding, hard to find both these days. The menu is always changing and caters for all dietaries. Standout dishes homemade beer sourdough bread the crust is to die for and in the summer focaccia which are both served with St Austell Bay Dill and Harissa Mussels. Always on the menu Line Caught Haddock, Chips, Crushed Peas, Tartar Sauce, only place I eat it. Their fish dishes are always cooked to perfection and something new on the specials board. Beautifu...
The food and the service is absolutely outstanding, hard to find both these days. The menu is always changing and caters for all dietaries. Standout dishes homemade beer sourdough bread the crust is to die for and in the summer focaccia which are both served with St Austell Bay Dill and Harissa Mussels. Always on the menu Line Caught Haddock, Chips, Crushed Peas, Tartar Sauce, only place I eat it. Their fish dishes are always cooked to perfection and something new on the specials board. Beautifully executed desserts, old favourites like sticky toffee pudding and fresh and summery like English Strawberry Jelly, Pink Peppercorn Meringue, Lemon Yoghurt Sorbet . English sparkling wine and table wine. real ale, from local breweries, such as Harvey’s of Lewes and other micro breweries. I absolutely love coming here and always recommend to everyone, never fails.
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N Mort

31 October 2025

The atmosphere in this old pub is incredibly warm and welcoming which emphasised by the fabulous staff. The food is delicious with a very creative and inspiring menu that includes "Specials" utilising seasonal ingredients. It is a dilemma in choosing between a starter or dessert and very often will end up having both. Overall a dining experience that leaves me smiling and very contented.

A Vaughan

10 October 2024

Fabulous, good quality, fresh, and tasty food. The staff are amazing and nothing is too much trouble. Good wine list by the glass (and bottles, too!)

VENUE DETAILS

North Lane
West Hoathly
West Sussex
RH19 4PPGB

01342 810369

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OTHER INFORMATION

Accommodation, No background music, Wheelchair access, Parking, Dog friendly, Credit card required

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