REVIEW: A venue for all occasions in Hickstead

But The Castle Inn, Hickstead, serves a surprising variety of traditional Chinese dishes which provide a gastronomical experience.

Conveniently located on the corner of London Road, Hickstead, the building is split between a traditional pub with bar on one side, boasting an experienced ex China Town chef who has focused on the adjoining restaurant on behalf of the owner Raymond Lau.

It boasts a welcoming atmosphere decorated with ornate wooden panels, beautiful paintings and Koi carp fish tank, complete with an open, comfortable area.

Conscious of all requirements, The Castle Inn offers no added MSG in their cooking.

They provide gluten free diets for all those celiac sufferers with 48 hours notice.

To start, steam king tiger prawns are tender, packed with vibrant flavour in a lavish sauce.

The Kung Po Chicken is soft, with sweet mild sauce complimented by pineapple, asparagus and carrot. The flavour and appearance isstunning.

After delightful crispy prawn crackers, the Castle Inn offers mouth watering fried scallops, courgettes and lightly coated squid cooked to perfection and bursting with flavour.

The Singapore style Lag Bok Gow (Turnip cake) steamed and stir fried with beautiful spice and flavours, is seasoned with an abundance of chilli, onions and coriander.

A speciality main course, aubergine with minced prawns in black bean sauce, is tender, flavoursome and fresh.

Creamy vanilla and chocolate Mövenpick Icecream dissolves in your mouth and is the perfect way to round of a classy, satisfying meal.

A former coach house, The Castle Inn has a large free car park and function room which can be used for business events, Christmas parties and birthdays.

It is also hosting a New Years Eve event.