Having stayed at the Old Tollgate quite a lot over the past 10 years, I felt it was time so say how great it is!

First of all, most of us locals know the Old Tollgate for the fabulous carvery. (Don't be put off by this if you mistakenly have the view that carvery's are common). The food is fantastic and there is so much of it. For around £23.95 you get a 3 course meal, and, here's the best bit......you can go up as many times as you wish. Veggies are well catered for also. The puddings are to die for and yes...you can have as much or as many as you wish.

Although you go up to choose what you want to eat, the waiting staff bring it back to your table for you. And that brings me to the staff. Many of them are very young but they are well mannered, polite, fun, efficient....I could go on.

The main part of the hotel is panelled, dark and cosy and the bar seems to be open all day. The carvery also serves lunch but for those of you who can only manage one roast dinner in a day there is a great Indian restaurant called the Maharaja in Bramber village.

We took advantage of the Friday night special. £115 per couple (yes per couple) for a room, 3 course meal, bottle of houe wine and breakfast. We were lucky enough to be ugraded to a suite with jacuzi at no extra charge.

For romantic evenings or just for rowdy ones, ask for the cubby hole. it is a tiny little private room that seats four people. It is great fun.

And that finally brings me to the rooms. They are all very comortable (gorgeous ducal beds) and clean and nicely decorated. I especially like rooms 216 (double) and 101 (suite) as well as the four poster which has a jacuzi bath in the bedroom......

And no I don't work there, I have just been quite a few times. I am going again on Christmas Eve (just for dinner) and will no doubt be taking advantage of the Friday night special again at some point.

Very much enjoyed and highly recommended.