Business Details
Your Local Country Pub in Cowbeech with Great Food & Drinks
The Merrie Harriers is a family-run business rooted in the village of Cowbeech, where tradition meets quality. Our commitment to sourcing honest, seasonal produce reflects our dedication to the local community and culinary excellence. Housed in a sixteenth-century building, we offer a welcoming bar and restaurant featuring fine wines, local ales like Harveys Best Bitter, and craft beers from regional breweries. Our expansive beer garden, set in an area of outstanding natural beauty, provides breathtaking views of the Sussex countryside, complemented by log fires for winter warmth.As a hub for social gatherings, we host weddings, private functions, and community events in our versatile spaces. Our menus, from lunch to Sunday roasts, emphasize homemade dishes crafted with care. With a history of positive guest experiences and a focus on hospitality, we aim to be a cornerstone of the local dining and events scene.
Services
Pub Food
Local Ales
Event Hosting
Seasonal Menus
Private Functions
Lunch & Dinner
Wedding Venues
Beer Garden
Highlights and features
- We offer seasonal menus crafted with locally sourced ingredients.
- Our 16th-century interior provides a unique dining experience.
- We host weddings and private events in scenic countryside surroundings.
- Our beer garden offers panoramic views of the Sussex countryside.
- We maintain a tradition of warm, family-run hospitality.
What people say
Lovely meal
Friendly staff
Excellent food
Beautiful views
Great events
Services
Pub Food
Our pub food menu features homemade dishes crafted with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. From hearty lunches to evening meals, we offer a variety of options including traditional roasts, pies, and daily specials. The focus on quality produce ensures a fresh, authentic taste of Sussex cuisine.
Local Ales
We serve a selection of local ales including Harveys Best Bitter, alongside craft beers from regional breweries. Our rotating taps showcase the best of Sussex brewing traditions, with options for both classic and contemporary beer enthusiasts in a historic setting.
Event Hosting
Our venue accommodates weddings, private parties, corporate events, and community gatherings. The function room and beer garden provide flexible spaces with countryside views. We offer tailored packages including catering, seating, and seasonal decorations to create memorable occasions.
Seasonal Menus
Menus change with the seasons to reflect available produce, featuring Christmas feasts, summer buffets, and themed events. Dishes highlight local ingredients through traditional and modern recipes, ensuring freshness and supporting regional farmers and suppliers throughout the year.
Beer Garden
The expansive beer garden offers al fresco dining with panoramic views of the Sussex countryside. Heated by log fires in winter and shaded by natural beauty in summer, it provides a relaxed environment for drinks, meals, and social gatherings in all seasons.
Questions
What are your opening hours?
We are open Wednesday–Saturday 12:00–14:30 & 18:00–22:00, Sunday 12:00–18:00. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
Do you serve food all day?
Lunch service ends at 14:00 and evening food service ends at 20:00 daily.
Can I book a table?
Yes, tables can be reserved via our website or by calling 01323 833108.
Do you host private events?
Yes, we offer venue hire for weddings, parties, and corporate events with catering options.
Are there vegetarian options available?
Our menus include vegetarian dishes – please ask staff for current options.
Is the pub accessible for disabled guests?
We have ground floor access and accessible facilities – contact us for specific requirements.
Reviews (7)
Bernadette Fitton
Dec 29, 2021
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Lovely country pub ,food a 5 * plus ,exallant Xmas Dinner, waiting staff Lovely, not to over intrusive! Definitely recommend and I shall return
Thanks for a lovely evening
Thanks for a lovely evening
Michael R. Cuddlemonkey
Oct 25, 2021
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It's a quiet pub/restaurant. Four of us went there together, none of us especially liked it. The food was adequate without being particularly good, the prices were edging up a bit for what it was, you're probably talking say 30% or so higher than Wetherspoon's or Hungry Horse, and I wouldn't have said the quality was any better. I don't violently object to it but there are much better pub/restaurants.
Peter Stewart
Sep 11, 2021
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Very welcoming traditional country pub, excellent food at very reasonable price.
Harvey's and Sharp's on draught. Highly recommended.
Harvey's and Sharp's on draught. Highly recommended.
Jenny Wright
Aug 19, 2021
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The food was excellent, staff friendly & helpful. Views at rear of pub nice. Visited with family 4 x adults & 2 kids, the guy at the bar was really helpful, great with the kids. I had the Camembert with… caramelised onion to share, huge portion with thick sliced crusty bread.. delicious …. All the mains were big servings & excellent quality. Totally recommend.
Sarah Heard
Jul 13, 2021
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We sat on a picnic table outside, having just bought our drinks. The table was on a very gentle slope and the table tipped up in slow motion almost and landed on top of us including all of our drinks. I hurt my back, hit my head and the table landed on my chest. When I eventually got up and walked into the pub, the landlord started laughing at me… as I was soaking wet with drink. I told him what had happened and that the tables are not secured to the floor and he told me off for shouting at him when I wasn’t, I was just quite clearly upset and hurt. He offered no apology and no recompense
Neil
Jul 08, 2021
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Really good Sunday roast and a great pint of Harveys. Service was excellent, will definitely go back.
Christine Relf
Jul 04, 2021
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Lovely Sunday roast there today. Tender meat & lots of veg. Best red cabbage I've ever tasted. Highly recommended.
