No Fishing!

We decided to have a drive into the countryside for a pub lunch today and on JinglyJan's recommendations we headed to the little village of Fletching near to Ashdown Forest.  As we were driving through the forest we saw a deer at the side of the road - typically my camera was in my bag in the back of the car and there was a car right behind us so I couldn't ask Alan to pull over.  Even if we had, I doubt I'd have managed to get a picture as the deer very quickly ran into the forest and disappeared.  It was lovely to see her though.  

We went to the Rose & Crown pub, but unfortunately they were fully booked so we went to the only other pub in the village The Griffin. It was very busy there too, but there was one table free.  It was a big table though so they asked if anyone else came in, would we mind sharing - of course we didn't and were eventually joined by three elderly people who were very pleasant dining companions.  The food was delicious and all home cooked, local produce - we both had wild boar sausages with mustard mash and spinach.

I had hoped to go for a walk after lunch but it started raining so we headed home, but on passing Sheffield Park & Gardens we saw a sign for a vineyard and nursery,  so we decided to go and have a look.  The vines were full of grapes ready to be harvested and there was an interesting wine shop which sold their own English 'champagne'.  Obviously it can't be called champagne but they said it's made in exactly the same way, so we bought a bottle to try.

This shot was taken at Falmer duck pond  -  I don't think this seagull can read ;-)