Pilgrims Rest

I am in love! Exactly my kind of place! It’s a charming cottage built in 1420, owned by a darling mother and daughter team, that serves simple, rustic and delicious food (we had the quiche, soup and a large chunk of mature cheddar), and offers great desserts, scones and cream tea. This is a very special spot and I was delighted to have lunch there after visiting Battle Abbey.

Really lovely grub in historic surroundings cosy log burner in winter and super staff.

This is where I originally wanted to have lunch… at a beautiful rustic cottage in the shadow of the gatehouse of Battle Abbey. Instead we had afternoon tea here, sitting outside in the garden. I thought the original name of the place was The Rustic Café, but that is part of Pilgrim’s Rest. Inside the cottage is just lovely. And if you are interested in the history of it, just ask the staff and they can give you a sheet of information. They also have WiFi!
While inside, make sure to take a look at the table with cakes and other baked goods. Everything looked lovely, but I wanted a cream tea… scone with clotted cream and jam. I learned that Mr. Snarky has a thing for Eton Mess… however, he had to settle for Battle Mess. When he asked the lady if Battle Mess was similar to Eton Mess and she nodded, his eyes lit up like a kid on Christmas Morning. We were given our spatula with a number on it and we headed back outside to the tables in the sun.
Our goodies came to the table… mmmmmm scone! And I love clotted cream! I have to say, this was one of the best scones I have had… and I had the plain scone! As it turns out, Battle Mess replaces berries with oranges and has a berry sauce. Mr. Snarky did eat all of it, but did say that he prefers the traditional Eton Mess. This is the type of café that I would love to have myself. It couldn’t be more perfect!

What can I say… It is like going back in time built in 1402 it use to prepare food for the Abbey many years ago.
its like stepping back in time with all the original fittings and creaky floorboards.
All home made cakes and scones and nicely cooked food.
The staff were very friendly and we were made most welcome.
Can recommend the clotted cream tea.
You will enjoy the experience both visually and with the taste buds.
As usual there is a pay and display car park 50 yards away.