It's nearly midnight at The White Horse in Chilgrove, and the farmers are having a press-up competition in the bar. Don't let this put you off, however. Instead, take it as a sign that the takeover of an established Sussex pub has won over the locals.
A nice mix of 18th and 21st centuries: The White Horse in ChilgroveThis 18th century coaching inn on the edge of the South Downs is now an upmarket watering hole, with an excellent menu and nine smartly finished rooms to boot.
More... More English escapes in our South Coast section Cosy castles on the idyllic Isle of Wight Love is a New Forest treehouse made for twoIn fact, the accommodation is already heavily booked until 2015 for Glorious Goodwood (the racecourse is eight miles away), while its proximity to London and local game estates are sure to prove popular for the shooting/stockbroker set - I was told Pippa Middleton is due to drop by soon.
Not wishing to upstage the locals at press-ups, I retired to my room, which featured a copper bath and black-and-white wallpaper that reminded me of Sarah Lund's woolly jumper in The Killing.
In the morning I headed to the Apsley Sporting Grounds on the Cowdray Estate for a clay-pigeon shooting lesson with Darron Carver. For a townie who's never even held an air rifle, Darron's teaching was perceptive and before long I was actually hitting the target occasionally.
At lunch, the talk is inevitably of field sports, but it isn't all bloodlust. David Whitby, head gamekeeper of the nearby Leconfield Estate, is also concerned about the decline of songbirds and takes care to maintain balance in the local ecology.
Take aim: Visitors to Chilgrove can have a try at clay pigeon shootingPetworth is famous for its antique shops, but also worth a visit is The Hungry Guest - a modern delicatessen with its own range of sauces, condiments and ready-meals.
Back at the White Horse for dinner, landlord Paul Gidley makes a point of showing off his cellar book, which features many fine wines.
Prices are not cheap, but with many country pubs now charging a premium for average meals and accommodation, The White Horse provides good value for weekend getaway.
Travel FactsRooms at The White Horse (01243 519 444, www.thewhitehorse.co.uk) cost £160 for a double on B&B basis. Clay shooting starts at £80pp for an hour (www.apsleysporting.com).