The Chequers Inn

The story

The Chequers Inn Slinfold | AA Rosette British Pub & Dining

The kitchen and its philosophy

The Chequers Inn sits in Slinfold, where chef Tim Neal runs a British kitchen built on house-made preserves and careful butchery. He acquired the 15th century building near Horsham around the year 2000 and converted a former village hall into a light dining room. The team smokes salmon and cures bresaola. Desserts are prepared from scratch using local suppliers and vegetables harvested straight from the kitchen garden.

Seasonal British cooking

Menus shift with the seasons, drawing on French techniques to refine traditional British cuisine. Diners often encounter the house smoked salmon alongside seasonal salads or a selection of locally sourced cheeses. The wine list spans Sussex vineyards to France and Italy, chosen to match the straightforward yet precise cooking. That consistent attention to detail earned the venue an AA one rosette for culinary excellence.

The building and grounds

Outside the dining room, a vine-clad terrace offers sheltered seating surrounded by fruit trees and established borders. The original stone walls and exposed beams keep the atmosphere grounded despite the modern layout. Guests can still visit the bar for a pint of Harvey’s Sussex Best or explore the guest ales rotating on tap. The space works equally well for a quiet lunch or a weekend dinner without losing its village character.