The Bax Castle ... Two Mile Ash
Map | Reviews
OS Map : Landranger 187 · Map reference TQ 148 272
Description
This pub 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.
Update October 2007: The pub is under new management.
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 several bridleways just south of the pub through Marlpost wood. 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 to the Bridge House at Copsale.
Your reviews
Paul says: 
| 7-August-07
A great pub for cycling on the Downs Link which runs right past the pub. There is a very large garden and having been there twice now, we've never had difficulty finding a table or two to sit at in the garden.
The food has always been exceptional for what it should be [good honest pub food, but presented well, and reasonable, but not too long menu]. The portions were just right, not too large that you think they are trying to impress on quality, but large enough for hungry cyclists. Sausages with bubble and squeak [with a good sauce], or calves liver and bacon averaging £10 a plate are what pub food should be about.
The only problem we have had with the pub has been the service time. They seem to struggle when it gets busy. That said, on both occasions, when we have been there, it has been on a hot and sunny weekend, and they were probably caught out on both occasions by the sheer number of people wanting to eat.
The first time we visited, we waited 45 minutes for the food [no problem though, as they do sell beer!]. The second time, we arrived about 3pm on a Sunday to be told that they had stopped serving food at 2pm, and would re-start at 3pm. This was down to simply too many people wanting food and the kitchen not being able to cope.
In my view, the wait is generally worth it, for the food, the location, and the availability of seats for everyone, even at busy times.
Gab F says: 
| 30 July-07
Mixed feelings really. Our group of eight tried a range of savoury food from starters, sandwiches and full main courses. The starter of cajun field mushrooms was greasy and largely tasteless, the sandwiches were OK but nothing more than average. The mains sounded just fine from the comments but some fresh veggies would have been good. The chips were barely cooked and unseasoned. This was a Saturday lunchtime and it was not remotely busy so there was no excuse.
Mike S says: 
| 13-July-07
Asked for crayfish sandwich and was fobbed off with insipid prawns without any explanation. Meals overpriced especially desserts at an outrageous £4.75. A big disappointment. This pub has gone downhill recently and is probably losing customers to the newly opened Lintot pub in Southwater which offers good value meals at a third less price.
Georgia Barrington says: | 30 April-07
I heard the Bax Castle was a great local pub with a decent Sunday roast but we were disappointed with the choice of pork or pork. The rest of the menu was uninspiring so I had an average Caesar salad and was really looking forward to pudding - but they'd run out of my choice. Very disappointing.
Older reviews
Phil K says: 
| 25-September-06
New owners are very pleasant people and the future for this pub is looking good - at last!
Dee says: 
| 15-June-06
What a BIG disappointment. I visited the Bax Castle because I heard it has a new manager - and what a let down. This manager is just as rude and unfriendly and so scruffy. Another one who has no idea how to treat customers.
Phil K says: | 11-June-06
Under new management - hooray! This landlord is friendly, knows how to treat customers and keeps his beer very well. A visit is highly recommended.
Ally C says: | 26-April-06
Unfortunately we were very disappointed with the food at the Bax Castle. Taking advantage of the 'Buy One Meal, Get One Free' offer advertised in the local press, we thought why not! After a disappointing meal with my friends in the summer, I decided to give it another go.
We shared a starter which took an hour to arrive, the main courses arrived 45 minutes after that! My boyfriend ordered the mixed grill which was described on the menu as steak, lamb chop, pork chop, and sausage. However, instead of a pork chop, it was served with liver [the waitress did not notify us of the change]. Unfortunately, my boyfriend detests liver! I decided to order a special from the board. The steak was meant to be on a crouton bed with a creamy sauce, but the sauce was bland and tasteless and the crouton was, in fact, a bit of soggy toast [even the waitress pointed this out when we complained].
For me, food is important, especially when you are paying good money for it [thankfully we had a voucher!]. I don't make a habit of complaining but it is important for standards to be improved. Take the Black Jug pub in Horsham - they have got it spot on!! Why don't pubs in the surrounding areas do a bit of market research and understand what customers want?
Michael says: | 12-April-06
The barman is a great magician, visited on Monday, lovely food, nice beer and service with a bit of magic .... amazing.
Phil K says: | 7-March-06
If you are looking for a traditional pub with a friendly welcome and a good atmosphere, don't bother trying this one! The management really do not give a damn and should retire!
David E says: |
14-Sept-05
Stopped off at this pub during our cycle ride via the Downs Link and initial outside impressions were of a typical country pub, similar to our local. The bar was very small, hence busy, and there was a good selection of real ales. In particular the Harvey's Sussex was spot-on and clearly well kept.
Service by our barmaid was pleasant and we did not have too long to wait. However, I concur with the other reviews regarding the landlord's attitude. What seemed a reasonable request from a customer to a member of staff attracted the landlord's attention and was met with an unexpected and most discourteous response.
From what I saw of the food, both presentation and portions looked below expectations although, in fairness, we only popped in for a pint.
Pub score - No Good · - Excellent
