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The Giant's Rest – reviews, photos

The Street, Wilmington BN26 5SQ, England
Hotel amenities
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13 reviews from our community

    Trip type
Traveller rating
    3
    5
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Date Rating
Brighton, United Kingdom
1 review
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
“Same old food”
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 July 2011
1
person found this review helpful

We've been here a number of times over the years and whilst the beer is good and there's a lovely ambiance, the toilets are in dire need of a spruce up and I'm sorry to say the food is lacking.

The menu hasn't changed in years, perhaps even a decade. The prices are now on a par with good restaurants but the food is not of the same standard. Portion sizes are large but it's not value for money. The veggie sausages were disappointing for such a price. They're the sort you buy in the freezer section and made from mashed potato. The vegetable pie had a soggy base, the ploughmans was piled on the plate with no consideration for presentation. The apple was left whole, the stick of celery the same. A lot of the dishes are far too salty and why oh why are there no cheaper lunch options?

If the menu became seasonal and a good selection of lunchtime snacks/meals were offered, I'd be singing its praises. As it stands, it's stuck in the past and no longer offering value for money. Such a shame.

  • Stayed May 2011, travelled with family
    • 2 of 5 stars Value
    • 3 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Hastings, United Kingdom
Contributor
20 reviews 20 reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
51 helpful votes 51 helpful votes
“Great Pub, book early!”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 June 2011
1
person found this review helpful

This is a cracking little pub nestling at the foot of the Sussex Downs and at the feet of the 'Long Man of Wilmington' the famour chalk giant. The pub itself is almost entirely about dining-in as there's not many seats at the bar, but the tables are a fun mixture of different styles and numbers of seats, and all have little traditional wooden games on them to have a go at while waiting for your food. Menu is extensive and crammed with traditional English dishes. I particularly recommend Ham with Bubble and Squeak and chutney... sublime! The food prices are reasonable and worth it, but like all pubs a few drinks can push the bill up. On the whole a highly recommended pub, with a nice atmosphere, really enjoyed it. Booking recommended for weekend evenings.

  • Stayed May 2011, travelled as a couple
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Gloucester, United Kingdom
2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
“Great country pub”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 November 2010
2
people found this review helpful

We stayed B&B for four nights having eaten here many times before. The Giant's Rest is in a great position for walking on the South Downs and exploring the nearby towns like Alfriston, Lewes and Brighton. We have always received a warm welcome here and nothing is too much trouble for the young and likeable staff. Our double room was large and comfortable and, with breakfast, was good value for £60 per night. The bathroom, with large bath and separate shower, might have to be shared with one other room if other guests are staying. The pub itself is warm and cosy with wooden games on each table and Beryl Cook prints on the walls. The food on the varied menu is excellent with good portions at reasonable prices. Well worth the 300 mile round trip! Recommended.

  • Stayed November 2010, travelled as a couple
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Deal, United Kingdom
1 review
“Pity about the smell !!”
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 October 2010

Stopped here for lunch on a day out. On entering the place, I was immediately struck by the smell of damp. It was all pretty 'rustic', odds and ends of furniture. Sat at one table and found that the chair was broken and unsteady. Moved to another table and looking around the place could see that a lot of the chair legs were covered in damp and mildew. Hence the smell. The table tops even though clean felt very sticky. Had to wait a fair while for our meal, even though the place was not really busy. When it did come it was 'ok'. Nothing special, filled a gap, but that was it. Don't think I would return for another lunch.

  • Stayed October 2010, travelled with friends
    • 3 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Location
    • 2 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 2 of 5 stars Service
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Royal Tunbridge Wells, United Kingdom
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
“Consistant good food and service”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 October 2010
1
person found this review helpful

Having eaten at the pub on and off for the last 10 years or so it it is heartening to return on a wet Sunday evening in October to find the bar and restaurant buzzing and nearly full. A reflection that if you provide good, homely food and wine at a sensible price then people will still support you.
Each table even has a wooden puzzle to amuse you while you wait for your meals to arrive.
Advisable to book, particularly if it is their quiz night when the bar is overflowing!

  • Stayed October 2010, travelled with family
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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