Restaurants · Brighton
Tucked just off the main road outside Brighton, this one has an enormous garden with covered and open seating, level access for a pram, and free parking right outside. Inside, the restaurant side is airy and full of light — roomy enough that a group of four walked in at 5pm on a Friday without a wait — while the bar keeps a traditional country-pub feel. The menu is long and varied, with a kids' menu, high chairs and vegan choices, and portions are generous for the price; the fajitas, ribs, sweet potato curry and beef stroganoff all get named repeatedly. Weekday lunchtimes are "delightfully quiet", as one parent put it, though sunny weekends fill up and booking is sensible. Cooking can be uneven visit to visit, and some of the older picnic benches in the top garden have gone soft — worth choosing your table.
A little something creative for your next meal out. Filled with colouring, simple drawing prompts for cute animals, origami and conversation starters designed to bring more play, laughter and connection to the table. 3 free printable packs for toddlers, preschoolers and primary-aged children.
A farm café near Brighton pairing a bite to eat with room for the kids to roam, rated 4.0 from nearly 290 reviews.
A family-run Hassocks pub with a bar, dining area and beer garden, plus outdoor seating that's handy on a warm day.
A well-rated Hassocks garden centre selling plants, gardening supplies and pet bits, right beside a heritage park for an easy family outing.