The Gate ... Ifield
Map | Reviews
OS Map : Landranger 187 · Map reference TQ 227 373
Description
The Gate is on a quiet road between Faygate and Crawley. Originally there was a tollgate over a ford at this location - hence the "Gate" name. The pub has two bars joined together and a low-beamed restaurant containing some remnants of an old blacksmith's workshop with bread oven. The pub has paintings from local artists on the walls - and if you like one, the pictures are for sale as well!
Home-cooked food from local suppliers and BBQs in the garden during the summer. Beers are from Hall and Woodhouse including Sussex bitter, Badger and Tanglefoot.
How to get there
By car
The Gate is on a quiet country lane near Ifield Golf Club, a few miles west of Crawley.
Cycling
From Horsham town centre make your way via Rusper Road,
or via Crawley Road, and then a short distance on the A264 [busy road for cyclists] to Faygate. At the Faygate roundabout, turn left into
the village itself and cycle past the Holmbush Inn pub on the left.
Continue uphill slightly for 1.25 miles [2 km] and then turn right [signposted Ifield, Lambs Green]. After 0.5 miles [0.8 km], cycle past the Lamb Inn to the next T-junction. Turn right towards Ifield and then right again after a sharp left bend [if in doubt follow the signs for Ifield]. The pub is on the left after a few hundred yards/metres.
Suggested cycling routes from here
Come out of the pub and turn right, returning the way you came. Instead of turning left, back towards Lambs Green, follow the signs to Rusper and cycle some quiet country lanes towards the Plough in Rusper village or the Six Bells at Newdigate.
Or turn left out of the pub for a quiet route towards Ifield Wood and the outskirts of Crawley. In fact, if you want to cycle from Horsham to Crawley, this is a cycle-friendly route.
Or turn left from the pub to Ifield and pick up a bridleway near the railway line, after Ifield golf club, for an off-road route back towards Faygate via Kilnwood farm.
Your reviews
Tom Lawrence says: 
| 3-April-08
Excellent! I am going tonight and cannot wait, oh the lamb shank is to die for! The only issue is that I am quite tall and nearly hit my head on the low roof ;-)
Richard Johnson says: 
| 12-March-07
A fantastic, friendly and inviting pub with lovely food. My only regret was that the lamb shoulder was so large I couldn't eat it all :-)
Older reviews
Tanya L says: | 18-June-06
Despite the pub being extremely busy, the service I received was impeccable and I found the staff extremely attentive and enthusiastic, particularly the landlord who took the time to give me personal advice on the menu which I have to say is extensive. There is something for everyone.
Having since been back several times, I can see this pub is renowned for its food and I actually recognise some of the customers myself now! The garden is extremely well maintained and perfect for a Summer's day. One word - fantastic!
Grahame J says: 
| 4-May-06
Family pub, very clean, quiet atmosphere, rural location. Selection of three ales, all of which were served too cold. We had to wait for one hour to be seated, having already booked a table. Starters arrived quickly, however the tomato and basil soup was a Heinz tinned soup with added basil. The main courses were dreadful with really oily fish and chips, garlic chicken processed and overcooked, and sausage and mash where the sausage was revolting.
On complaining to the landlady, she said she "didn't have time for this" and walked away. Her husband came and took the meals away. The landlady came over to the table and said "no-one has ever complained about the fish before" and walked away again.
When the bill arrived, the meals had been deducted from the bill. However, the landlady came over to us, placed a hand on the shoulder of my girlfriend and told her "the likes of you come in here looking for a free meal and that is exactly what you got".
When we very politely told her that she can't speak to us like that, she shouted at us "you're barred" and asked her husband to show us out!! I have never been thrown out of a pub or restaurant in my life and cannot believe we were barred for complaining about the quality of the food. Needless to say, we will not be going back!
KT says: | 9-December-05
Nice secluded pub. Reasonably sized restaurant which retains feeling of intimacy. Excellent and extensive menu with numerous specials. Very friendly service. Side orders of salad etc were very average. However, the rack of ribs was something to behold. A very good evening overall.
Shan W says: | 4-October-05
Lovely pub and absolutely excellent food.
Pub score - No Good · - Excellent
