The Blue Ship ... The Haven
Map | Reviews
OS Map : Landranger 187 · Map reference TQ 084 305
Description
This pub takes a bit of finding but it is worth it. It is in the 'middle of nowhere' and does not seem to have changed much in years [and is all the better for it]. The main bar dates back to the 15th century although the exterior of the pub is Victorian. Hall and Woodhouse beer is served from two hatches straight from the barrel.
Several small inter-connecting rooms, open fireplace with seats inside and nice garden. Good pub food. If you cycled here, it's very tempting to stay here for several beers under the pretence of looking at your map and deciding where to go next!
How to get there
By car
The Haven is a small, quiet hamlet of a few houses, west of Horsham, between
Rudgwick and Five Oaks.
Cycling
Cycle to Slinfold, either from Broadbridge Heath
along the A264 turning right at the Toyota garage, or along the Downs
Link bridleway from Christs Hospital [the bridleway crosses the road
at Slinfold].
Turn left from Slinfold towards Five Oaks [a bit of a climb out of Slinfold] to the busy A29. At this road, turn left and, after 0.5 miles / 0.8 km, turn right [signposted for 'The Haven' and 'Lower Lodge shooting grounds']. After 1.3 miles / 2.1 km, turn left [signposted 'Garlands, Okehurst'] and the pub is down the lane on the right.
Suggested cycling routes from here
Bridleway just south of the pub, at the end of Marles Lane, takes you back to the A29. Or coming out of the pub, turn right and then take a left turn following sign for Gibbons Mill brings you to another bridleway which connects with the road between Loxwood and Rudgwick.
and/or head towards Rudgwick along the road you came on and take a right before the main A281 [it has a no through road sign] which leads on to a bridleway that connects up with the Downs Link.
Another pub in a southerly direction from here is the Cricketers Arms at Wisborough Green.
Your reviews
Ann Woodard says: 
| 26-March-08
We went there on a special offer and had the pick of the menu - fantastic pies, casseroles and a chocolate mousse cake which was simply divine! Pub owner very friendly and the pub itself is a gem - cosy, quaint, clean and welcoming. What more could we want? We will go there again - prices too are very reasonable.
Chris and Marcelle Fileman say: | 26-June-07
A country pub in the best English tradition, great location, local beer, and very good food. The bar is something else! Fantastic!
Older reviews
Peggy says: | 20-August-06
Wonderful food. I went with a large group of friends and we were really well looked after. We really appreciated the traditional atmosphere. I wish the landlord and landlady continued success for the future and plan to return.
Chaz B says: | 3-May-06
I grew up near Horsham and used to go to the Blue Ship nearly 30 years ago. I'm delighted to say it is as good now as it ever was. In fact, the only things to change in this time are the beer mats and the pub now does proper food. The best pub in the world .... probably!
K and S Collins say: | 6-October-05
What a little gem - just how a pub should be. Idyllic location. Excellent food and beer. Wonderful new landlord and landlady. We'll definitely be back.
Phil K says: |
19-September-05
Excellent and totally unspoilt proper pub. Beer is perfect as it is taken straight from the barrel. Food is good and reasonably priced. All this and a very nice landlord and landlady.
Pub score 
- No Good · - Excellent
