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The Cat Inn, West Hoathly,

The Cat Inn

4.9 (2021)
£25 and under
Contemporary British
North Street, West Hoathly, RH19 4PP

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 10 times today

About this restaurant

  • Good for special occasions
  • Charming
  • Neighborhood gem
The Cat Inn is a 16th century free house set in the picturesque village of West Hoathly, a hilltop village set in the heart of the Sussex countryside. It is in within easy distance from the towns of East Grinstead and Haywards Heath and only 25 minutes from Gatwick Airport.

The Pub with its oak beams and two inglenook fireplaces proffers a warm and cosy atmosphere in the winter, whilst our terrace is perfect to enjoy a drink and food in the summer months. Being a free house we pride ourselves in the quality of our real ale, and concentrate on local breweries, such as Harvey's of Lewes and other micro breweries. Our food is cooked to order, using fresh, seasonal and where possible locally sourced ingredients. Our menus change on a regular basis and we also offer a small selection of seasonal specials on a daily basis.

We welcome children over the age of 7. Dogs are welcome in the "pub" area of the Cat, they are not permitted in the dining room

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    £25 and under
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary British
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Wed–Fri 12:00 pm–2:00 pm Sat 12:00 pm–2:30 pm Sun 12:00 pm–3:30 pm Dinner Wed–Sat 6:00 pm–8:30 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Suphi Ergin
  • Neighborhood
    East Grinstead
  • Parking details
    Sizable car park to rear of pub, and ample free parking in the village.
  • Additional
    Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 2,021 people are saying

The Cat Inn reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.9
4.9 based on recent ratings
  • 4.9Food
  • 4.9Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.7Value

NoiseEnergetic

Loved For

  • West Sussex

    Best Overall

  • West Sussex

    Best Food

  • West Sussex

    Best Service

  • West Sussex

    Best Ambiance

  • West Sussex

    Best Value

  • West Sussex

    Good for business meals

  • West Sussex

    Neighborhood gem

  • West Sussex

    Great for fine wines

  • West Sussex

    Great for outdoor dining

  • West Sussex

    Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Cat Inn offers a "beautiful atmosphere, delicious food and great service" that makes every visit memorable. Known for its "amazing ambiance" and "friendly, efficient staff," it features a diverse menu that caters to all tastes, including gluten and dairy-free options. "Exceptional food" with a "lovely courtyard setting" enhances the dining experience, making it a "wonderful place to eat." The pub's character shines through its local produce, creative specials, and genuine hospitality, ensuring a "fabulous" time for all. "Highly recommended" for its "amazing" dining experience and welcoming staff.
2,021 Reviews
  1. Richard

    London6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great food, excellent service and a lovely courtyard setting on a summer's day.

    Is this helpful?

  2. annette

    London3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Lovely quiet outside space to dine. Very quiet and attractive. Food outstanding - excellent value for high quality food and presentation.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Retta

    Croatia1 review

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    beautiful atmosphere, delicious food and great service. thank you so much for a lovely evening.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Peter

    West Sussex3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Everything absolutely brilliant could not recommend The Cat enough!

    Is this helpful?

  5. Caren

    West Sussex1 review

    5.0

    Dined on June 7, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    If you're gluten and dairy free and like fish and chips... then look no further than The Cat Inn. Exceptionally cooked and so tasty. Crispy batter top and bottom - no gooey uncooked batter bits - flaky, melt in your mouth cod, just the best G&DFree meal I've ever had. Great, friendly, efficient service - despite being packed out with diners. And the best part... you can take your dog too. Even he got spoilt with his own bowl of water and kind words. It can be tricky to park, but it will be worth the effort. See you when we're next in the area and thank you, all at The Cat Inn.

    Is this helpful?

  6. prakash

    Kent7 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 7, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    If I could give this 6 stars I would. Fifth visit to this place and it never disappoints.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Alastair

    East Sussex7 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 4, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Another lovely meal in the best pub in Sussex. A great night out

    Is this helpful?

  8. Molly VIP

    Phoenix / Arizona4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 4, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Amazing! Great ambiance, service, food, etc. 12/10

    Is this helpful?

  9. Shirley

    London1 review

    5.0

    Dined on June 4, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The staff, food and ambience remains the same on every visit - that is why we return!

    Is this helpful?

  10. Rob

    West Sussex1 review

    5.0

    Dined on June 4, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I have been to The Cat a number of times and it never fails to deliver. Stunning village setting, quintessentially chocolate box English pub vibe, great menu and friendly staff

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

The Cat Inn is rated 4.9 stars by 2021 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

  1. Home
  2. United Kingdom
  3. West Sussex
  4. East Grinstead
  5. East Grinstead

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 10 times today
Google Map for The Cat Inn

North Street, West Hoathly, RH19 4PP

Additional information

  • Neighborhood
    East Grinstead
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Wed–Fri 12:00 pm–2:00 pm Sat 12:00 pm–2:30 pm Sun 12:00 pm–3:30 pm Dinner Wed–Sat 6:00 pm–8:30 pm
  • Price
    £25 and under
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary British
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Sizable car park to rear of pub, and ample free parking in the village.
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Suphi Ergin
  • Additional
    Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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