We wandered into the George Inn in Alfriston on Friday 7th January after a long walk across the Seven Sisters and a swim in the sea (more than a little bit cold!). There was a real log fire crackling away in the huge fireplace by the bar and the first pint of cider went down so well we decided, on the spur of the moment, to ask about accommodation. The very charming gentleman behind the bar offered to let us have a look at the available rooms, all of which were beautifully decorated. We stayed in a room called “Bob Hall” which had a fabulous sleigh bed with soft white sheets. Supper was included in the room rate and was a three course feast which would not have been out of place in any of the best London gastropubs. The banoffee pie was so good I nearly had a heart attack.

In terms of the price, the rate was very reasonable (and subject to a last minute discount) and represented excellent value for money, especially since it included breakfast – we dined like kings. My companion tells me the full English was incredible. I ordered deliciously sloppy scrambled eggs and smoked salmon, supplemented by fresh juice, toast from doorstep slices of bread, newspapers, cereals and fresh coffee. Alfriston itself is extremely pretty and worth exploring on the way down to the coast – I would recommend the walk down to Cuckmere Haven (magnificent oxbow lakes) and then a stroll along the clifftop to Birling Gap. If you time it right you can scramble back round via the foot of the cliffs – there are some very visually arresting geological features down by the sea including a lot of white chalk with an almost lunar feel to it. The following day we swam in the sea at Seaford (following advice from the very sweet and friendly girls behind the bar) on the shingle beach which was (again pretty cold, but) invigorating.

It was the standard of the service and the lovely attitude of the staff that made me want to write a review. I wish I had got the chap’s name who looked after us so well, nothing was too much trouble and he really was delightful. Thank you!

Full of character, the food was fantastic with quality and offerings far above typical pub food and the service was quick, helpful and considerate. We dined by a roaring fire. Our first room had a non-functioning radiator, and this was quickly remedied upgrading us to a suite. The rooms are clean and nicely decorated. I would recommend that the rooms have flannels/washcloths (none were available when requested), hair dryer (without having to request one), and higher quality toiletries (rather than 1 pound body wash), as the rooms are expensive, especially given that we were traveling in the off-season. This is a tiny village with a narrow street, so you must park and unload and then quickly get to the car park, but it is quite close. Overall we had a wonderful experience and highly recommend The George.

We made a late in the day phone booking and as we had stayed in Alfriston before (at Wingrove House which was unfortunately full) we thought we'd try the George Inn. The staff member did not mention that there was no on-site parking (nor does there website as far as I can see) and we eventually found the 'park and walk'. The parking lot was unlit but luckily we had a torch so we struggled to the hotel with our overnight bag. I must say that when I pay £140 a night I do expect a parking place! Luckily it was only drizzling! We were offered a choice of 2 rooms at this price and whilst they were quaint (an d the bed very comfortable) the front room we chose was very noisy with cars and lorries hurtling through the narrow road inches from our window. There was a tiny old TV and the 'hospitality tray' had two mismatched mugs and no spoons. The furniture other than the bed which was very modern was mismatched old stuff and the bathroom very cheaply done. The room itself was very quaint with beams and creaky floor boards but I think it was in no way worth £140 especially considering the luxury of the Wingrove House only metres away and only £15 more. The dinner was pub grub but good quality. No complaints there. The staff well we only ever saw two and they were very friendly. When asked what time we would like breakfast we explained that we wouldnt require it at all, the chef, now off duty and sitting at the bar whooped with delight saying he could have a lie in which led me to believe that maybe the two double (cheaper) rooms were maybe available after all. We neither saw or heard any other guests nor any other staff as my husband paid up and left to fetch the car and I tiptoed down 10 minutes later and hallooed in the bar, kitchen and lounge and saw not a soul.... so I left the key on the bar and departed. Considering our dinner was quite pricey it would have been good PR to knock a tenner off the price of the room for the uneaten breakfast (and presumably unpaid for chef!) but that's of no consequence.

We can not recommend this hotel at all. The decoration is fading inside and out, the carpets are worn and the overall appearance is of neglect. The room we viewed was dirty and cold and seriously overpriced. We did not stay as a result.