26 | LUXlife Magazine Best Seasonal Country Pub Dining 2026 – East Sussex Nestled in the expansive ancient heathland of Ashdown Forest, The Hurstwood offers a retreat into a calming sanctuary far removed from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The family-friendly village pub serves as the heart of local communities in the neighbouring towns of Uckfield and Crowborough, boasting an inviting beer garden, delicious seasonal menu, and welcoming atmosphere that makes it the perfect country escape for ramblers, families, and everyone in between. We took a closer look at The Hurstwood below, as the village pub is named in the Hospitality Awards 2026. The story of The Hurstwood spans back to 1773, when the property originally began was a farmhouse. Often referred to as “the Horns” by the community, the structure was converted into The Maypole Inn in the early 18th century. It stood strong as The Maypole Inn until June 19th, 2010, when it was taken into new ownership and transformed into The Hurstwood. This serendipitous milestone coincided with the Village Fete Day, bringing the entire community and surrounding villages together on the field just opposite the property. Today, The Hurstwood is operated by Lenka and Martin Spanek, a husband and wife team driven by the ethos that “good food brings people together, sparking interesting conversations, laughter, and creating cherished memories.” Both hugely passionate about food and sharing that joy with everyone, the pair strive to deliver exceptional experiences, delectable dishes, and stellar services to every guest who walks through The Hurstwood’s doors. Martin Spanek stands as the culinary genius of the pair, heading up The Hurstwood’s kitchen alongside a talented team of chefs. His expertise is complemented by Lenka, who brings years of experience running successful country pubs to the table. Together, the pair have transformed The Hurstwood from a charming local pub into an established gastronomic hotspot widely renowned for its warm welcome, carefully curated wines, and exceptional food. Every dish is meticulously developed and lovingly crafted at The Hurstwood, with Martin and his team regularly updating menus to reflect the changing seasons. Each seasonal menu highlights the finest local produce and ingredients through fresh and honest flavours, with Lenka’s passion for foraging contributing vibrant wild ingredients gathered from nearby woodlands and fields. Every week closes with the iconic Hurstwood Sunday roasts: mouthwatering meats served with an array of traditional but modern trimmings. At the very heart of the pub sits a large oak bar which, along with oak-beamed ceilings, cosy nooks, and roaring open fireplace, adds to The Hurstwood’s welcoming atmosphere. Guests can sit at the bar and enjoy a selection of local cask ales straight from the barrel, craft lagers, or ciders on draft. The pub also offers a seasonal cocktail menu, offered alongside an ever-growing list of non-alcoholic alternatives, and a wine list that has been carefully curated to pair beautifully with each menu. Boasting a quirky dining room, complete with a stunning countryside garden and stretchedtent terrace, The Hurstwood is the ideal location for all occasions. From business meetings and suppers to birthdays, family gatherings, and weddings, the team can ensure that any event goes seamlessly with bespoke food menus, complementing wine pairings, and world-class service. The Hurstwood experience can also be brought to the guest through its private event service, covering all areas from table design to furniture hire. Since first stepping through the doors of The Hurstwood, Lenka and Martin have worked tirelessly to maintain the pub’s position within its local community. The Hurstwood stands among the top-rated gastropubs throughout Sussex, having built a stellar reputation for its mouthwatering meals, thoughtful wine pairings, and top-tier service. We at LUXlife Magazine are delighted to recognise The Hurstwood for East Sussex’s Best Seasonal Country Pub Dining 2026, an award underpinned by the glowing testimonials left by its guests. One client wrote: “We ate here today for my husband’s birthday, having walked out of our original choice, and thank goodness we did… The Hurstwood is an absolute jewel! Tuna, seared to perfection, melt-in-the-mouth pork belly, chocolate mousse that was to die for, incredible wine and port, and impeccable service. The Hurstwood is off the scale brilliant, in a beautiful setting to boot. We shall be back again… and again… and again.” While another client, who has experienced the full breadth of The Hurstwood’s services, shared: “Martin and Lenka catered for a private event at our home last weekend for over 80 guests. It was simply exceptional, not just the food and drinks but the staff and the overall event management were outstanding. Many thanks to The Hurstwood team. Dinner at the pub is also a fun experience. This is my favourite eatery in East Essex.” Contact: Lenka Spanek Company: The Hurstwood Web Address: www.thehurstwood.com
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