Restaurants in Polegate
The Old Oak Inn
CaneheathWe were lucky arriving just before midday to find the last parking space. This is near to the start of country walks so possibly hikers fill the car park? We booked through Dojo but oddly there didn’t seem to be a table reserved. The couple ahead of us without a reservation were told to sit anywhere. There were 2 tables left for us to choose from inside and we were about 5 minutes early but there were no reserved signs. what if we had come a few minutes later? The service was friendly, food good fairly standard pub grub & average red wine that was a bit cold presumably direct from a cold cellar.
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Superb148 Reviews 4.6
Polegate Fisheries
31 High St, PolegateThe small cod and chips are perfectly cooked (my 4th visit). And the curry sauce with them works so well but I don't know why. Shall continue to use them. Best in Polegate/Eastbourne
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Superb30 Reviews 4.5
The Mill Restaurant & Coffee Shop
The Centre, Roy Martin Way, PolegateAfter all the years we have lived in Polegate today was my first visit here, what can I say , will now be coming here all the time , lovely friendly staff happy to help , easy to swap bits on your breakie, proper made coffee and breakfast was absolutely amazing and filling at an outstanding price , brilliant cafe highly recommended.
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Superb11 Reviews 5
The Snug
51 High St, HailshamMy husband and i Went there as it's dog friendly
Staff were happy and polite. Plus its Lovely and clean inside
They asked then gave our dog a few treats and water, Which we felt was a real nice touch.
The breakfast was lovely was a proper meaty sausage, well cooked bacon to.
My reason for the 4 star on the food was the egg was still snotty, however we will return and I will just ask for my eggs to be cooked both sides.
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Superb19 Reviews 4.6
The Horse and Groom Harvester
1 High St, PolegateFood was good, and lots of choice. I had piri piri chicken wings to start which were nice. Then Pork Belly mains. Also very nice. I've just marked them down on price as it is £5 too expensive on the main courses.
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Good317 Reviews 4.1
Ye Olde Smugglers Inne
Waterloo Square, Alfriston, PolegateHad a surprise 30th birthday here, cannot fault anything. Delicious food, and lovely staff especially Lisa who was extremely helpful!
Would definitely recommend!
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Good122 Reviews 4.1
Rathfinny Wine Estate - Tasting Room
Alfriston, PolegateWould highly recommend taking a tour, we learned so much from Judith, who was an incredible guide and did such a good job of explaining the whole winemaking process. We were worried that a visit in winter might be less interesting but there was so much to see and the estate is still beautiful in mid Jan!
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Good111 Reviews 4.1
Viceroy
5 Grand Parade, PolegateVisited last night with 5 friends. It was the 2nd time I'd been here. The food is really lovely. We had a selection of, chicken shashlik, vegetable biriani, chicken tikka naga, dhal, saag aloo, and a selection of rice. We all enjoyed our dishes very much. The service was spot on. We will return.
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Good53 Reviews 4.1
The Coffee Stop
Polegate Train, Station, PolegateSo, my Friday morning shenanigans began at 5:30 a.m.—the kind of hour only birds and bad decisions wake up for. I was helping my wife board her train to Gatwick, gallantly lifting her luggage like some early morning porter, a simple task. A noble gesture.
What I hadn’t planned on was being kidnapped by Southern Rail. No warning, not even time for a goodbye kiss—just the sound of the train doors shutting with the cold-hearted efficiency of a Bond villain's trapdoor. as the train carried me away from Hampden Park and towards Gatwick in shorts and flip flops! Meanwhile, my car sat alone at Hampden Park station, likely wondering where I’d gone, quietly racking up overtime in a 20-minute wait zone.
I leapt off at Polegate like a man on a mission—Operation Get-Back-to-My-Car—only to find the next train home wouldn’t arrive for another 35 minutes, go all the way back to Eastbourne and then onto Hampden Park. Great!
Then, salvation. A scent on the breeze. Coffee.
I turned, and like a weary pilgrim discovering an oasis, there it was: a tiny, welcoming coffee shop perched right by the station.
I strolled in, hope restored, and ordered a latte with a splash of syrup. The lady behind the counter smiled kindly and began her morning alchemy as I pulled out my phone to pay.
That’s when the plot thickened.
“We only take cash,” she said, calmly.
I blinked. She blinked. Somewhere in the background, a cat meowed judgmentally as if to say “Here we go again”.
There I stood: no wallet, no coins, just a phone and a pair of keys jingling uselessly in my hand and a latte halfway being made.
Sensing the existential crisis brewing beneath my hoodie, the barista—clearly an angel in disguise—smiled again.
“Just leave your name and pop the money in next time you’re passing.”
So here I am, back on the train, latte in hand, still in flip-flops, still questioning my life choices, heading towards Hampden Park and a potentially ticketed vehicle —but a little warmer inside, sipping a latte earned on trust and British kindness.
10/10 would recommend the coffee.
Cosy cafe.
Friendly cat.
And staff who clearly believe in second chances.
Would definitely recommend—though perhaps I’ll wear shoes next time.
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Superb6 Reviews 4.3
Snack Attack
40 High St, PolegateJust had a fantastic Special Shish Lamb Kebab from Snack Attack. Super tasty grilled lamb, mushrooms, pepper and onion, fresh salad and lots of pickled chillies. Absolutely spot on. Will be back when I’m in polegate again.
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Good16 Reviews 4
Yew Tree Inn, Arlington
The Street, Arlington, PolegateWe had a lovely Sunday lunch here. We ordered two roasts—one traditional and one vegan—and both were delicious. It was great to see a vegan option done well and with plenty of flavour. The sides were all nicely cooked and complemented the meals well.
The pub was fairly quiet, which made for a relaxed atmosphere. The staff were attentive, friendly, and made us feel very welcome without being overbearing. All in all, a really enjoyable experience.
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Good194 Reviews 4
K2 Indian Restaurant
Nightingale Hill, PolegateThe food quality and flavours continue to be First Class. My personal dish of King Prawn Pathia was out of this world. The prawns were so large it made the dish almost surreal. The spices were also truly delicious.
Ali was serving us. He was knowledgeable and engaging, also ensuring that we were satisfied with our meal.
The quality is definitely a stand out, in my opinion. I would highly recommend.
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Good70 Reviews 3.9
Calamar Fish Bar
46 High St, PolegateThe first time I’ve ate here it’s now my favourite fish and chips place in East Sussex
We ordered burgers, chicken, fish and chips saveloy and sausage it was all cooked to perfection ????
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Good13 Reviews 3.5
Costa Coffee
2 The Centre, High Street, PolegateWe’ve visited the Costa Coffee in Polegate a few times now, and it has always been a pleasant experience. Conveniently located near the train station, it’s easy to access, making it a great stop whether you’re on your way somewhere or looking for a comfortable place to relax.
The coffee here is as good as you’d expect from Costa, consistently satisfying. The staff are always welcoming and friendly, which adds to the inviting atmosphere. One of the things we particularly enjoy about this location is that it’s usually not too crowded. This makes it an excellent spot for working, reading, or just spending a few quiet hours.
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Average77 Reviews 2.8