The Cowdray Arms - Haywards Heath

Address: London Rd, Balcombe, Haywards Heath RH17 6QD, United Kingdom.
Phone:1444811280.
Website: thecowdrayarms.co.uk
Specialties: Pub, Restaurant.
Other points of interest: Outdoor seating, Dine-in, Delivery, Great beer selection, Great wine list, Solo dining, Wheelchair-accessible car park, Wheelchair-accessible entrance, Wheelchair-accessible toilet, Alcohol, Beer, Cocktails, Food, Food at bar, Spirits, Wine, Seating, Table service, Casual, Cosy, Romantic, Groups, Tourists, Accepts reservations, Credit cards, Debit cards, NFC mobile payments, Credit cards, Free of charge street parking, Free parking lot, Dogs allowed.
Opinions: This company has 981 reviews on Google My Business.
Average opinion: 4.4/5.

Location of The Cowdray Arms

The Cowdray Arms London Rd, Balcombe, Haywards Heath RH17 6QD, United Kingdom

Open Hours of The Cowdray Arms

  • Monday: 12–10 pm
  • Tuesday: 12–10 pm
  • Wednesday: 12–10 pm
  • Thursday: 12–10 pm
  • Friday: 12–11 pm
  • Saturday: 12–11 pm
  • Sunday: 12–8 pm

Welcome to The Cowdray Arms: A Culinary Gem in Balcombe, West Sussex

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque village of Balcombe, West Sussex, lies The Cowdray Arms, a unique establishment that masterfully blends the warmth and charm of a traditional English pub with the sophistication of a modern steakhouse. This delightful dining destination, situated at London Rd, Balcombe, Haywards Heath RH17 6QD, United Kingdom, is a must-visit for both locals and tourists alike, offering a sumptuous menu, an extensive drinks selection, and an atmosphere that is both inviting and lively.

Main Services

  • Pub & Restaurant: The Cowdray Arms offers a delightful fusion of a cozy pub and an upscale restaurant, providing a versatile dining experience that caters to various tastes and occasions.
  • Steakhouse: The steakhouse is the pièce de résistance of The Cowdray Arms, focusing on serving the finest cuts of beef, expertly prepared and cooked to perfection. The menu features an array of cuts, from ribeye to sirloin, each sourced from local, sustainable suppliers.
  • Seasonal Dishes: In addition to its renowned steaks, The Cowdray Arms also offers a diverse selection of fresh, seasonal dishes, highlighting the best of British cuisine and showcasing the chef's creativity and skill.
  • Extensive Drinks Menu: The establishment boasts an impressive selection of beers, cocktails, spirits, and wines, ensuring there's something to suit every palate. Their carefully curated wine list features both Old World and New World wines, providing the perfect accompaniment to your meal.
  • Private Dining & Events: The Cowdray Arms offers private dining spaces and can host various events, from intimate gatherings to larger celebrations. Their dedicated team works closely with guests to create bespoke events tailored to their specific needs.
  • Afternoon Tea: For those seeking a more refined experience, the establishment also serves a traditional afternoon tea, complete with an assortment of delicate sandwiches, scones, and sweet treats.

Location and Access

Set in the heart of Balcombe village, The Cowdray Arms is conveniently located just off the A272, making it easily accessible by car. Nearby towns and cities, such as Haywards Heath (5 miles), Crawley (9 miles), and Horsham (13 miles), are all within a short drive. For those traveling by public transportation, Balcombe railway station is a mere 5-minute walk away, with regular services to and from London Victoria, Brighton, and the surrounding area. The establishment offers a wheelchair-accessible car park with ample space for guests, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the dining experience. The building itself is also wheelchair-accessible, with a ramp leading to the entrance and a wheelchair-accessible toilet on the ground floor.

Featured Characteristics

The Cowdray Arms is not only praised for its culinary offerings but also for its unique character and atmosphere. The exterior, with its weathered brickwork and climbing ivy, exudes a rustic charm that hints at the warmth and welcome found inside. The interior is a delightful blend of traditional and contemporary design, with exposed brick walls, wooden beams, and modern furnishings creating a stylish, yet inviting space. The establishment prides itself on its outdoor seating, offering a picturesque terrace and a charming beer garden, perfect for enjoying a drink or a meal al fresco on warmer days. The terrace boasts stunning views of the adjacent countryside, while the beer garden features a delightful array of plants and flowers, creating a tranquil and inviting atmosphere.

Practical Information

  • Opening Hours: The Cowdray Arms is open seven days a week, with varying hours for food service, drinks, and private events. It's recommended to check their website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information.
  • Reservations: Reservations are highly recommended, particularly for the steakhouse and private dining experiences. The establishment offers a convenient online reservation system, as well as the option to call or email to book a table.
  • Contact Information: The Cowdray Arms can be reached via phone at 1444811280, email at [email protected], or through their website at thecowdrayarms.co.uk. They are also active on social media platforms, such as Facebook and Instagram.

Positive Aspects from Reviews

With an impressive 4.4/5 average rating on Google My Business, based on 981 reviews, The Cowdray Arms clearly stands out as a beloved local establishment. Guests consistently praise the following aspects:
  • Food Quality: Numerous guests have lauded the excellent quality of the food, with particular mention of the steaks, seasonal dishes, and afternoon tea. Many appreciate the attention to detail and the fresh, locally-sourced ingredients used in the kitchen.
  • Atmosphere & Service: The warm, inviting atmosphere and friendly, attentive service have been highlighted by many guests as key to their enjoyable dining experience. The relaxed yet elegant ambiance is perfect for various occasions, from casual catch-ups to special celebrations.
  • Drinks Selection: The Cowdray Arms' extensive drinks menu has also been commended, with guests appreciating the wide variety of beverages on offer, from craft beers and classic cocktails to carefully curated wines.
  • Accessibility & Parking: The establishment's wheelchair accessibility and ample parking have been highlighted as significant plus points by several guests, making it an attractive dining option for a broader range of customers.
  • Location & Surroundings: The picturesque village setting and the stunning views from the outdoor seating areas have been praised by many guests, adding to the overall charm and appeal of The Cowdray Arms.
In conclusion, The Cowdray Arms is a truly unique dining destination that offers a delightful blend of traditional pub charm and modern steakhouse sophistication. With its exceptional food and drink offerings, warm atmosphere, and thoughtful attention to detail, it's no wonder that this Balcombe gem has become a firm favorite among locals and visitors alike. Whether you're seeking a relaxed lunch, a romantic dinner, or a celebratory event, The Cowdray Arms is the perfect place to indulge in a memorable dining experience.

Frequently asked questions about The Cowdray Arms

What kind of food does The Cowdray Arms specialize in?

The establishment specializes in serving finest cuts of beef in their steakhouse and offers a diverse selection of fresh, seasonal dishes.

Is The Cowdray Arms wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the establishment offers a wheelchair-accessible car park and the building itself is also wheelchair-accessible, with a ramp leading to the entrance and a wheelchair-accessible toilet on the ground floor.

Does The Cowdray Arms offer private dining spaces?

Yes, they offer private dining spaces and can host various events, working closely with guests to create bespoke events.

What is the location of The Cowdray Arms?

The Cowdray Arms is located at London Rd, Balcombe, Haywards Heath RH17 6QD, United Kingdom, just off the A272 and near Balcombe railway station.

Does The Cowdray Arms serve afternoon tea?

Yes, they serve a traditional afternoon tea, complete with an assortment of delicate sandwiches, scones, and sweet treats.

Reviews of The Cowdray Arms

The Cowdray Arms - Haywards Heath
Ana I.
5/5

5-Star Review – Highly Recommended! I can’t recommend The Cowdray Arms enough! The food is absolutely amazing — full of flavour, beautifully presented, and consistently delicious. Every dish feels fresh and thoughtfully prepared, and you can really taste the quality. The staff are equally fantastic. They’re friendly, attentive, and genuinely look after their guests, making you feel welcome from the moment you walk in. Service is warm, professional, and never rushed. The ambiance is another highlight — a lovely, cozy atmosphere with stylish décor, perfect for anything from a relaxed lunch to a special evening out. Whether you’re visiting with family, friends, or just looking for a great meal in a beautiful setting, this place truly delivers. A wonderful experience from start to finish. Highly recommended!

The Cowdray Arms - Haywards Heath
Sarah E.
5/5

From the moment we arrived, everything exceeded our expectations. The food was outstanding—each dish was packed with flavour and presented beautifully. The staff let us know they had just launched a new menu, and we were lucky enough to have the chef personally introduce it. On the chef’s recommendation, we tried the gin-cured salmon, which was absolutely delicious. I chose the chicken roulade while my partner had the lamb cutlets; both plates were bursting with flavour and generously portioned, truly gourmet dining at its best. It’s clear the kitchen team is passionate about both quality and creativity. Given our previous experience years ago, the transformation since our last visit was a wonderful surprise. What truly set the evening apart was the service. Jo and Tracey were exceptionally warm, attentive, and welcoming, going above and beyond to make us feel at home. It’s rare to find such a perfect combination of incredible food and outstanding service. I highly recommend this hidden gem to anyone seeking a first-class dining experience. We’ll definitely be returning—there’s something truly special happening here!

The Cowdray Arms - Haywards Heath
simona L.
5/5

We visited Cowdray Arms on the 19th of November and had an unforgettable experience. The food was absolutely to die for and the service was second to none. My friend and I enjoyed a perfectly cooked fillet steak and a goat cheese salad that was nothing short of a piece of art. To finish, we were treated to a house-made Dubai chocolate and a panna cotta with mulled fruits—both completely divine. A flawless dining experience from start to finish. Highly recommend!

The Cowdray Arms - Haywards Heath
Celeste M.
5/5

My boyfriend and I stayed here last weekend and had the most gorgeous stay! The staff were incredibly hospitable and friendly and welcoming - service was great and our room was really comfortable and clean! Everyone was so accommodating and attentive. We even had a complimentary fruit plate with pastries given to us! Definitely would come again would recommend to any couples we had a really lovely time here. Beautiful scenery and very sweet beer garden with fairy lights and heaters. Thank you guys!

The Cowdray Arms - Haywards Heath
Stephen D.
5/5

We popped in for Sunday lunch without a reservation (four adults + two young children) and were incredibly lucky to get a table immediately, although the restaurant was busy. The children were very hungry and chose something from the Kids' menu, which was served almost immediately: we really appreciated this kindness. The adults didn't have much longer to wait - and we all enjoyed really tasty dishes, presented most artistically. We didn't choose the classic Sunday roast, but almost everyone else in the dining room did: it looked fantastic! In summary, we had a great time, enjoyed the tasty food, and will certainly come back. Thanks to all the hard-working staff at the Arms for making us so welcome.

The Cowdray Arms - Haywards Heath
Jane C.
5/5

Visited the Cowdray Arms for lunch on a Thursday, the food was first class, we were a party of 4 and chose from the main and the set menu between us. Some starters and some desserts. The pumpkin & butternut squash soup was absolutely delicious, very creamy. The handmade bread a delight. Mains were equally good. The food was served hot on hot plates; something many restaurants fail to achieve. Sea Bass, special of the day, was wonderfully presented with prawns and a prawn sauce, tasted as good as it looked. We all agreed was ‘The best lunch we’ve eaten out for ages’. Must also mention the service which was first class, friendly, informative and all served with smiles. We were made very welcome. Also important to note one of our party is a full time wheelchair user, super access and help to seat in an appropriate height table. Greatly appreciated and often hard to find. Thank you

The Cowdray Arms - Haywards Heath
Gazz
5/5

My partner and I had the most amazing burgers. A perfect combination of succulent juicy beef, tasty pickles and a side order of crispy fries - the best burger we’d eaten all year. Thoroughly recommended 😋😋😋

The Cowdray Arms - Haywards Heath
Ionut C.
5/5

The Cowdray Arms is a proper gem! Lovely cozy rooms, spotlessly clean, and the staff go out of their way to make you feel welcome. Food in the pub is excellent — hearty, tasty, and great portions. Perfect peaceful location.