if you don't mind
[Edit] Has changed hands and is now more cosmopolitan
Whenever I am in Southampton I make a point of stopping for a pub lunch at the Duke of Wellington.
Which invariably ends with a typically English pudding
Steamed sponge pudding, sticky sweet and swimming in fresh cream
Or the Spotted Dick served with custard.
The Coal Exchange in Emsworth is a regular stop for a homemade Apple Crumble
A nice big plate that is drowning in cream. They also do a good Lemon Meringue and sweet sticky sponge pudding.
Traditional English desserts to round off a leisurely home cooked pub lunch. Simple wholesome food and the hospitality that keeps one coming back over and over.
bbcamerica.com/anglophenia/2014/07/10-desserts-make-brits-america-homesick
The boxed pudding that travels cross country before being popped through a letter box cannot by any stretch of the imagination, be referred to as home cooked.
Whereas a light steaming sponge plucked straight out the hot pan, drenched in golden syrup and served in a bowl of fresh farm cream is what I look forward to at the Royal Oak Hooksway.
A 16th Century pub, it might well be.
But they are pushing boundaries a bit when it comes to traditional Sussex pub food. Not with the desserts though. Besides my sponge pudding there is a crumble of the day
as well as a chocolate fudge cake. Not strictly exclusive to Sussex. But close enough.
It is the Main menu which, besides the sausages which are served with chips, holds no surprises.
A simple standard menu. Exactly what you would expect from a country pub. The ubiquitous burger, pies, ham and eggs, lasagne, curry of the day and jacket potatoes.
Which is what appeals to me. Unassuming, perfectly ordinary, no pretensions. Stricly ordinary hopefully home cooked pub comfort food .
And a Sunday Roast which ranks amongst the better ones I have found in the South Downs.