WELCOME
Simon and Lisa are proud to welcome you to their stylish, friendly, award-winning pub and B&B. Nestled at the foot of the beautiful South Downs National Park, The Pilot Inn, with its car park, provides a superb base from which to soak up some of the most stunning and iconic scenery in the Sussex.
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Our
Story
A brief history and origins of the building and the subsequent fisherman's cottages take stood here and throughout the car park, as it now exists.
The cottages were copyhold of the manor of Eighington alias Ripe and Richard Francis and his wife Jane were admitted to the property under the terms of the will of Edward Hart dated 1879. On the death of Jane Francis, 7-8 Harts Cottages were passed to her son Charles (Edward Hart’s great-nephew) in Nov 1907 no 3 passed to Caroline Marian, her daughter, wife of Albert Ernest Self of Philadelphia USA no 1 to Ann Jane, another daughter, wife of Thos Cleghorn of Clapton. Charles sold his 4 cottages (now, confusingly, re-numbered 1 and 2) to Caroline Self in April 1908 and these were enfranchised immediately. Later abstracts of title to these properties survive. The neighbouring property the Pilot Inn (first referred to as such in 1889) was copyhold of the same manor and also previously a parcel of Lovells, an occupier at an earlier date than Edward Hart. Dennis Coppard and his wife Ann held the property up to 1880, when it passed to their youngest son Samuel of Holywell House, Meads, plasterer who surrendered it in 1889 to John Hide of the ‘Pilot Inn’ innkeeper. The Star Brewery Co applied for permission to demolish 1- 6 Hart’s cottages to provide a car park for the ‘Pilot Inn’ in 1959.
BOOK A TABLE
Our online table reservation system is now live! Found under the Food & Beverages tab (direct link here), you can check availability, and pick a date and time that suits you. We are a dog friendly pub, to accommodate you and a furry friend give us a call on 01323723440
OUR
LOCATION
Meads is a pretty village on the western edge of Eastbourne, nestled at the foot of the South Downs above the beautiful Holywell beach, offering a variety of shops, cafes and restaurants in a relaxed and friendly setting. Eastbourne town centre, with its wealth of theatres, art galleries, shops, international tennis, airshow and famous pier, is a mere five-minute drive away, meaning you will never be short of things to see and do.
MENU
Here at The Pilot Inn we pride ourselves on locally sourced fresh ingredients. Our meat is supplied by J.Heath & Son family butchers and includes locally reared beef from Bullock Down Farm, Beachy Head. Our seafood is supplied fresh from Beachy Head Fishing Company; both are within a few minutes of our location.
OUR
TESTIMONIALS
“I was craving a decent pint and got it. The beer and food were excellent. Great service from friendly staff. It was good to see a menu offering local produce with lots of gluten free options. Would not hesitate to recommend this pub. 5 stars!"
Mr. S
“Probably the best quality food I’ve had in a pub for a long time. Plus it’s not the usual pub menu either. I had beautifully grilled and presented salmon, and my wife had Dover sole. We will certainly be back when we’re in the area again.”
Tim
“First time going here and can only say I wish I had found this place before. Excellent food, lovely staff, nice atmosphere and great service. Highly recommended and will definitely return.”
Josie
“Stayed for 1 night. Accommodation very comfortable. Had roast dinner in the restaurant- excellent and a great breakfast Found all the staff very friendly and helpful Will definitely stay here again”
Pauline
“Stayed at the pilot for 2 nights. Temperature taken on arrival and socially distanced tables set out. Room was a good size and had everything we needed, breakfast was pre ordered the night before, it was good quality hot and freshly cooked. Had 2 evening meals and 1 lunch all were cooked to perfection and arrived at the table very quickly, the staff were the friendliest I have ever met, super efficient under pressure as the pub was constantly busy, spotlessly clean, plenty of parking at rear, would definitely stay here again.”
Ange R
"We happened upon this place after walking along the South Downs Way and were very impressed. Super friendly staff, lovely building, great vegan options for food and a sweet beer garden! Enjoyed some pints and listened to the seagulls. Would recommend."
Mr. J
More reviews available on TripAdvisor.
BOOKINGS
We take bookings directly and through external sites. Any dates requested have to be confirmed by us with you, this way we avoid double bookings. Equally, we will be able to confirm when rooms will be available from, time wise. We want your stay to go without a hitch and we are happy to discuss any issues you may have, just use the number below.
The bar, the garden, the restaurant areas, the menus and food, our staff and a great friendly welcome. Not to mention our rooms, and the rather good breakfast, and of course, our location.