The Star Inn Rusper.
Looking for a pub to hide in? The Star Inn Rusper could be just the place! Originally built in 1486 the Star Inn Rusper has always been a pub, however small. But now, it has expanded into the neighbouring cottages and has become a lovely rambling pub with all sorts of nooks and crannies. Right on the border of Sussex and Surrey, the Star Inn Rusper is just in Sussex so therefore is a welcome addition to the Historic Pubs of Sussex list.
Table of Contents
Key Info
As usual on these reviews, we were not paid to do it, we paid for our own food and drink out of our own pockets and the staff had no idea we were reviewing! Therefore, I feel our review is exactly as you would experience when visiting the pub.
The Star Inn Rusper
Priest Hole
One of the great things about The Star Inn Rusper is that it has a Priest Hole! These were hiding places for Catholic priests built in the 16th Century. Under Queen Elizabeth I severe measures were taken against Catholics. Catholics had, allegedly, taken parts in several plots to remove her from the throne. And she felt a bit miffed about it! Many Catholic houses built Priest holes to hide Catholic Priests from pursuivants, or Priest hunters. (It almost sounds like a bad TV show! Priest Hunters on Channel 5 – this time it’s a sin to miss it!)
Booking Essential
My advice would be to book a table to avoid disappointment. For this visit we were lucky, they just managed to squeeze us in on a Sunday lunch. Probably because it was quite early. The pub itself is very popular judging by the reserved signs on many of the tables.
We found the staff to be very friendly. Nothing seemed too much trouble and we were even shown to a table by the landlord.
We sat next to the fireplace right in the corner which, fortunately, was not lit. Had it been lit we would have been thoroughly roasted! But the big fireplaces, lit or not, certainly added to the historic atmosphere.
Possibly the one disappointment was that they didn’t serve Rioja by the glass, only by the bottle. Yes, a very personal preference! As this was a lunch visit, a whole bottle of Rioja to myself would have left me useless for the afternoon. Therefore, I went for a large glass of Malbec.
Food
Even though in my last review at the Pump House Brighton, I said I would be having sausage and mash to compare all the different pubs. At the Star Inn Rusper however, I went for the steak and kidney pudding option. It was just right for a cold February day! With a side of vegetables, and green beans squeaking pleasantly on my teeth, it really was a most pleasant meal in some lovely old world surroundings.
The Star Inn Rusper – Conclusions
It’s a welcome addition to my list, Historic Pubs of Sussex. Also, it scores an impressive 4 out of 5 on TripAdvisor. On a personal note, I celebrated my 40th birthday here too! (Unfortunately, some years ago!)
Google Maps – Click on the map for Directions
Star Inn Rusper map and directions
Address:
Horsham RoadRusper
Horsham
West Sussex
RH12 4RA
Phone: 01293 871 264
There is parking in the pub car park by the side.
More from my Historic Pubs Of Sussex
To reiterate, I don’t do paid reviews and I only include pubs that have something notable about them. However, If you know a pub that you think would make a good addition to this list, for historical or quirky reasons, leave a comment below in the ‘Post a Comment‘ section right at the bottom of the page. If it looks interesting, I will do one of my stealth visits and the review will be posted here. Not every pub makes the cut – perhaps three quarters do for various reasons. And the various reasons for a pub not making the cut are; bad service, bad food, bad experience and just plain boring..!
For the rest of my Historic Pubs of Sussex list, see below
The Duke of Cumberland Arms – Henley
All prices correct at time of writing.
If you are looking for Historic Pubs in Surrey, click here.
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The Star Inn Rusper – Historic Pubs of Sussex