The Devil’s Dyke

The Devil’s Dyke pub has never appealed to me that much. I’m quite often in the vicinity but rarely pop in unless it’s for the loos or a quick warming drink in the middle of a wet and windy walk.
We came in today on one such windy occasion, wanting just a hot chocolate to chase the chills away. Having queued for ages, they informed us that the hot drinks machine had broken twenty minutes ago! We also weren’t allowed to start a tab as we weren’t ordering food, and my partner had gone to get the car and the wallet, so a glass of tap water it was! I don’t really blame them for this as it would be hard to keep track of everyone on a busy Sunday lunch service, but it was a bit of a pain none the less.
The pub actually does look quite nice inside and I’m guessing it must have been recently refurbished. It was very busy so they must be doing something right, however it was Valentine’s Day so I’m guessing most pubs would have been fully booked for Sunday lunch.
I think the main reason that this pub just doesn’t do it for me is that it has a very transient feel about it. I can’t imagine that it has it’s regulars, so they don’t need to do anything over and above to keep people returning. People will come here if they are in the area for a walk, or just drive up to enjoy the views. The views, however, are spectacular, but in my opinion, much better enjoyed from the great outdoors, as opposed to the confines of a vacuous pub.

I’ve been to the Devil’s Dyke Pub a few times now and have had a decent lunch here. The view of Devil’s Dyke is absolutely beautiful and there are a few walking trails that you can take. However my recent trips here for dinner have unfortunately been disappointing. I’ve eaten both inside and outside of the pub and have had some trouble with the waiter service on both accounts. I can understand that they may be short-​staffed at times but this has been an ongoing issue for sometime now and it may need to be addressed in a more organised manner. As for the food, lunch has been reasonable — cannot complain about the prices. But my dinners here (usually ordered burgers) have left me unsatisfied due to the lack of taste and ordinary presentation. I recently ordered the wild boar and chorizo burger and the size of the patty compared to the sourdough bun was discouraging. Just imagine eating the meat in five bites and left with much bread to make another small sandwich.
Parking here is free for National Trust members and £2 for the general public. There’s a bus service here that runs frequently.
I do hope this pub improves in time as its a wonderful location and has much potential to become a popular destination for tourists/​locals to enjoy a nice walk along with a meal/​drink.

Amazing for a supposed pub. Our waiter had the air and manner of a server from a 5 star London restaurant. Tasty food (the baked brie is to die for) and really reasonable prices. Definitely worth the visit.

This pub poses somewhat of a conundrum for me. The Dyke itself is spectacular, and a walk across it a must for anyone visiting Brighton. The Inn however does not live up to it’s potential. It should be an English country pub where tired walkers can grab a hard earned beer and a pie. However, like the previous reviews have already suggested, it seems to have targeted a more high end clientele, and with no competition around for miles, it can pretty much do and charge as it pleases.
I feel the real let down came when I ordered a chicken and bacon baguette without mayo and was informed, not particularly helpfully, that this wouldn’t be possible as all of the sandwich fillers were premixed. Now, in my opinion, within an establishment that has set its sights on the posh end of the market, nothing should be premixed. If you took the Devils Dyke Inn away from the dramatic setting of the Devil’s Dyke, I don’t believe it would have many legs left to compete with what the rest of Brighton has to offer.

I am always a bit disappointed with this place, I mean its nice enough, they have a patio, they have lots of space inside and they have food and drink. But it could be more idyllic for its situation, and the food isn’t all that. It is also quite dark inside, so feels a bit odd sitting there motionless whilst just beyond is the beautiful view of the downs. I’d grab a coke here but trek a long way across the downs footpath in search of some better grub.

If you judge a restaurant’s poshness by its price then yes this is a posh pub but seeing as The Devil’s Dyke Inn is situated miles away from Brighton, accessible only with a car or strong walking legs, you can understand why they’ve decided to make it something special. Otherwise why would you travel all that way? They have certainly targeted the high end of the pub market and in my opinion been very successful, probably with much help from the stunning panoramic view of The Weald that’s visible from your table.
Chalk specials boards, mounted swordfish and various old pictures and paintings adorn the walls to give you a sense of history and class. However, the quality of service and food belies the prices, as the only thing particularly remarkable about the place is the aforementioned view.
For a special occasion or for a post-​walk pint there really is no place better but as the food is only just above average and the service can sometimes be a little blunt I wouldn’t go out of my way without special motivation.
This is hard for me to say because I genuinely like this pub but I can’t help feel they’re trapped in the middle ground between ‘gastro-​pub’ and ‘pub with kitchen.’ All in all though, it’s a great place to relax after a long walk or special occasion.

This very posh Inn situated in the fantastic location of the Devil’s Dyke do fantastic sunday roasts. It is not cheap but in these sorts of places where they are in the middle of no where you do not really expect anything less.
Going to the Dyke is a great day out and you can see for miles around at the highest points but going up and down hills all day, makes you hungry and very thirsty. So, when you get back your not really bothered what you pay.
The Inn is nicely furbished and you get a good vibe from other clients as everyone is put in a good mood from all the fun they have had exploring the downs.

Brighton is an unusual city, in that its surrounding area is largely comprised of countryside, rather than endless suburbs. There are many places of natural beauty, one of the closest and most dramatic being Devil’s Dyke. Devil’s Dyke is an absolute must, if you’re staying in the Brighton area! Just hop on the bus from the city centre and you’ll be there in no time!
The Dyke is an incredibly large V-​shaped valley, created by water erosion during the last ice-​age. A walk along the top ridge affords spectacular views out over the city and coast, as well as the Weald in the other direction.
The land formation is really quite breathtaking and when the wind gets going its a really invigorating place to be! Because it often gets so blustery, its also a great place to fly a kite, and on summer’s days an ideal spot to take a walk or ride a bike. There’s a pub at the top, which although not outstanding or particularly charming, does offer shelter form the elements and a nice pint of Sussex bitter!