The family records reveal that The Dorset Arms was built in 1595 and became a public house in 1735.
Situated in the outstandingly beautiful Sussex Weald, part of the historic Buckhurst Estate, the pub is named after the Earls and Dukes of Dorset, one time heads of the Sackville family, and shares a heritage of family ownership now headed by their descendant, William Sackville, the 11th Earl De La Warr.
It has been in the same family ownership since the 16th century, except for the period 1986-2013, during which it was the property of Harvey’s of Lewes. It is now back under family ownership.
Easily accessed via the footpaths through the Buckhurst Estate are both the church of St. Michael and All Angels, in which the tombs of the Sackville descendants can be found and the real life “100 Aker Wood” made famous as the setting for the Winnie the Pooh stories of A. A. Milne, where Christopher Robin played with the present Lord De La Warr’s father.
In his 1909 ‘Sketchbook of Tours in Kent and Sussex, a charming drawing of the Dorset Arms appears by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, the celebrated early 20th century architect, designer and artist. Mackintosh was known to be a close friend of Lady Margaret Sackville’s and while visiting Buckhurst Park designed the sign for The Dorset Arms and is also believed to have added the finials to the exterior of the pub.
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Went for our birthday, lunchtime meal, couldn't have been better looked after by Lyn, unexpected glass of fizz and candles in the dessert. Food was very good and I can recommend the three small desserts on the menu. Would definitely visit again.
Nice pub, but the good wasn't so great. My chicken wasn't fresly grill -was a bit stail
Decided to go back to a childhood pub where my parents took me and a friend is the chef. Absolutely fantastic lunch. We decided to have a nice Harvey's bittershandy and both decided to have the steak and kidney pie with kale. It was absolutely delicious. Remind me of my past and when I first started out in catering The waitresses the lady behind the bar they will very friendly and the service was 100% and more. The food was more than 100% and I so recommend that anyone try this restaurant and pub. I'd like to go back and try their roast in it on a Sunday, but best to book up. If you want to go on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday evening or day best to book. You can find this pub online by googling it. I hope this helps and that anybody goes really enjoys it and leaves a review because the food is amazing and so was the service. Thank you Dorsey Arms for making my day so special
Stayed there for a night. The cottage/inn was quaint and cosy. Loved the quiet countryside with all nice smiles from the staffs. Had a 3 hour walk at the old railway not far from the inn.
Just returned from a meal out at The Dorset Arms and have to say the food was absolutely fantastic. We are visiting the area for a couple of days and we're so pleased to have chosen here to eat. The food was some of the best we have eaten (and we like to eat out alot). We had the scotch egg to start, followed by the duck and the pork belly which were both outstanding. Finally, we indulged in the apple and pear crumble tart and the baked cheesecake with spiced plums which were also delicious. I never leave reviews but just had to for here as it was so worth it. The service was also brilliant and they were all very humble. Highly recommended *****
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Hartfield, East Sussex, TN7