The Bax Castle... Two Mile Ash
Telephone 01403 730369 · Map | Reviews
OS Map : Landranger 187 · Map reference TQ 148 272
Description
The Bax Castle is situated right next to the Downs Link bridleway [cycle railings are provided to lock your bike to - nice idea] and has been Sussex Country Pub of the Year more than once. It dates from the 15th century [formerly a weaver's cottage - the weaver was called Bax, hence the pub name] and is a free house serving several real ales, including Fullers London Pride and local beers from W J King and Co.
Large open fire in the winter. Good food and nice garden with children's play area.
Pub picture: Simon Markham
How to get there
By car
Two Mile Ash is a small hamlet, south of Horsham, between Christ's Hospital and Southwater.
Cycling
From Southwater country park, follow the Downs Link bridleway towards Christ's Hospital. After 1.2 miles [1.8 km] you can see the pub across a field on your right. There is an entrance directly from the bridleway [which avoids a tricky bend on the road to the main pub entrance].
From Horsham town center, take the Worthing Road [B2237] and turn right at the Boars Head pub [stop here on the way back!] Follow the road round to the left, under the A24 and past Christ's Hospital entrance on the right. The pub is on the left 2 miles [3.25 km] from the Boars Head.
Suggested cycling routes from here
There are several bridleways just south of the pub through Marlpost wood. There is a bridleway from Southwater Street to Christ's Hospital. Try the Downs Link bridleway to Rudgwick.
Visit the Queens Head at Barns Green or cycle along the Downs Link south towards Partridge Green, to the Windmill at Littleworth, and the Fountain in Ashurst.
Your reviews
The Bax Castle There are 13 customer reviews with an average rating of
Disclaimer: All reviews and ratings on this website are personal opinions by pub-goers. Horsham Pub Guide publishes comments at our editorial discretion but we are not responsible for comments made.
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We chose the Bax Castle for a recent family birthday Sunday lunch. We were made to feel welcome and service was pleasant and prompt throughout the meal. The menu has something for everyone, including a delicious vegan mushroom and nut roast. Prices are reasonable and portion sizes good. We will be back!
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Lovely few hours at the Bax the other lunchtime - great to see the pub buzzing and full again - great food - had to wait a little while as it was so so busy with both a wake and walkers but worth every second. Thank you Glen
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Service deplorable. Despite having booked in advance and pre-ordered meals for a party of 19 at lunchtime, most of us had to wait over an hour and a half for food, with some not getting served at all and no aplology.
Older reviews
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This is a great country pub and well worth a visit. It is much improved since Glen, the current landlord, took over. There's a warm friendly welcome from all the staff and two open fires burning at this time of year. The beers are well kept and the home cooked food is excellent - don't miss out on the home-made steak/ale/mushroom pudding when it's on the menu, it's fantastic. All in all, well worth a visit, particularly on a Sunday for the roast.
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The Bax Castle is a lovely pub to go to, I live in Southwater so it's only a 15 minute walk to get there, and it's set in a lovely location in the countryside. The pub has two open fires which is lovely to sit round in the winter, a big garden with a children's play area and a great food menu. Reading some of the reviews, I seemed a little disappointed with them but I can honestly say I have never had a bad meal whilst the recent landlord has been there. I would recommend the Bax Burger... a huge home-made burger with cheese and bacon, chips and salad (I still haven't been able to finish the whole meal as it's so big!). Curry and a pint night on a Wednesday followed by a quiz is a must! Fantastic pub with a friendly atmosphere and happy cheerful staff.
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Just had the best pub meal I've had for years. The welcome by Angela was warm and friendly, our order was taken and prepared by Glenn, the chef. When it was brought to our table, I was impressed by the generosity of the portions. The quality of the food was superb,and the general atmosphere in the dining room was wonderful (soft background music). I really could have stayed there and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this pub to anyone.
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I visit the Bax Castle when I come to see my family every few months. The pub has improved massively since the new landlord took over and now there is a new manager who is incredibly enthusiastic. The pub has two open fire places which makes a cosy atmosphere and the bar staff are very friendly. The food menu is extensive and you can eat in a separate dining room. There is a Christmas menu for December which looks delicious. And for the summer there is a massive garden with swings for the children and a separate beer garden for relaxing. The Bax Castle is a real country pub and I enjoy showing it off to my friends who come with me from the city.
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We ate at the Bax Castle last night and the curry night offer is only £8 including a drink. The curry was cooked fresh to order and would give any Indian restaurant a run for its money. My wife had a steak salad which was very large and the steak cooked to perfection.The new manager is very friendly and makes you feel very welcome. We are going back on the 30th Oct for a meal and Halloween party with friends.
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Reading some of the comments below I'm glad I have not eaten here - why take a chance when there are some reliable meals to be had in Horsham? The reason to come to this pub is its location - I often cycle through Chesworth and Southwater, then a nibble at the Downs Link and you're there, with a quiet (until you hit the main road) route back past the Boars Head to Horsham. Up until last week I had no complaints about the beer either, Ringwood Forty Niner and Hobgoblin usually in good enough shape but had both been hanging around a while and not cool enough. Hopefully just a blip but we'll see. I would recommend as a cycle stop but not for an evening.
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We went Friday evening as it was my birthday. We were the first in the restaurant but had to wait 30 minutes for our starters. My daughter ordered rack of lamb which was served raw and cold. My wife had beef Wellington which was tough even though it was supposed to be fillet steak. My daughter sent her meal back and refused anything else. Plates were cold. No cranberry sauce for my chicken. I could go on. We complained to the manager who seemed to be oblivious. All in all, bad service and poor food in our experience. Shame as the pub is in a good location.
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We visited this lovely pub on Sunday. We had a great meal, friendly staff and great service. They were really busy but we did not wait long for our food.
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We went to a Sunday lunch here in February this year. We waited nearly an hour for the food, which is not good when you're with a toddler. When it did eventually arrive it was pretty horrible. Service was friendly but inadequate. Disappointing as it's in a great location and the garden's large and excellent for kids. Great for a summer drink with the kids but we'd say go somewhere else for food.
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We received rubbish service. Waited in the restaurant for service, eventually went to the bar and were told that the barman was on his own. Food was great but not what we ordered because it was someone else's meal!
Pub score - No Good · - Excellent
