The restaurants Brighton Guide to

Alfriston Restaurants

welcome to our Alfriston Restaurants Guide

Nestled in the heart of the Cuckmere Valley, Alfriston is one of East Sussex’s most picturesque villages, perfectly positioned for exploring the South Downs National Park. Just a 25-minute drive from Brighton, Alfriston offers a delightful mix of charm, history, and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for day-trippers and weekend visitors alike. This village is packed with cosy tearooms, top-tier Sussex restaurants, and welcoming Sussex pubs, from quaint hideaways to Michelin-featured dining, each serving superb local wines and produce.

For those looking to explore the outdoors, Alfriston offers incredible walking trails along the Cuckmere River and through the rolling hills of the South Downs, with breathtaking views along the way. Wine lovers can enjoy tastings at nearby Sussex vineyards, while foodies will appreciate the incredible Alfriston restaurants: from cream tea shops to fine Italian restaurants or osterias. Alfriston is a charming blend of rustic beauty and culinary delight, ideal for all tastes.

Poco Alfriston

Poco in Alfriston is a gem of Italian warmth and charm, offering an authentic taste of Italy with a Sussex twist.

This cosy restaurant and wine bar brings a true osteria vibe, featuring fresh hand made pasta made by their chef right in the front window. Poco’s menu celebrates local ingredients and Sussex Suppliers sourced within 18 miles, with delicious pasta dishes and cheese boards crafted for a sharing-style experience.

Their Sunday roasts are an event in themselves, offering sumptuous options like Salt Marsh lamb and home-rolled porchetta, all served family-style and replenished as needed. The wine selection is thoughtfully curated, perfect for pairing with their dishes or enjoying at home. For a hands-on experience, Poco hosts pasta-making workshops, some with bottomless prosecco, adding a playful touch. This Alfriston restaurant is a tribute to Italian heritage, marrying generations-old traditions with the spirit of East Sussex. Read more about Poco in Alfriston.

The George Inn

The George Inn pub in Alfriston is a charming 14th Century Inn and a Sussex pub offering cosy accommodation and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Nestled in the heart of the village, this traditional inn combines rustic charm with modern comforts, making it an inviting spot for locals, travellers, and families alike. The menu features classic British pub fare with a modern twist, focusing on seasonal ingredients. Located near the South Downs National Park, it’s an ideal base for exploring Sussex’s scenic countryside.

Ye old Smugglers Inne, 1358

Set in the heart of the village, Ye Olde Smugglers Inne is a characterful Alfriston pub packed with history, low beams, exposed brick, and cosy, fire-lit corners. Expect a warm, traditional setting with a welcoming, lived-in feel. The menu focuses on hearty, home-cooked pub classics, including Sussex beef burgers, fish and chips, steak and ale pie, and generous Sussex Sunday roasts. With a terrace for warmer days and a cosy interior for winter, it’s a quintessential Alfriston pub experience with rooms also.

The Sussex Ox, polegate

The Sussex Ox is a must-visit Sussex country pub known for its commitment to local provenance and quality ingredients, many sourced directly from its own organic farm. Located across the scenic Cuckmere Valley from Alfriston, it’s a short, enjoyable walk into the village from the pub.

The Sussex pub menu showcases hearty British fare with a focus on fresh, seasonal flavours. With a spacious beer garden offering stunning countryside views, The Sussex Ox is perfect for savouring local food and exploring the beautiful walking trails surrounding it.

The Singing Kettle

Set overlooking the village square, The Singing Kettle is a charming Alfriston café with a calm, contemporary interior, arty touches, and a cosy, welcoming feel. On warmer days, you can sit out front and watch village life or retreat to the secluded walled garden. The menu focuses on homemade favourites, including Welsh rarebit, open sandwiches on hand-cut bread, fresh soups, and standout sweet and savoury scones. Add in excellent cakes and a wide range of teas, and it’s a classic Alfriston tea room experience.

The Star Alfriston – Alfriston restaurant

The Star in Alfriston is a delightful inn, inviting everyone to enjoy lunch, drinks, and dinner in a cosy, stylish setting. With thirty uniquely designed rooms and suites by Olga Polizzi, the inn offers a memorable stay in East Sussex.

Alongside seasonal lunch and dinner menus, guests can indulge in an elegant afternoon tea or request picnic hampers, perfect for countryside adventures or a day at Glyndebourne. Families with children over 11 and well-behaved dogs are welcome in select areas, ensuring a relaxed experience for all. Parking is conveniently available nearby at The Dene car park.

Badgers Teahouse and Bakery

Badgers Tea House and Bakery in Alfriston is a charming, quintessentially English tea house set within a delightful cottage garden, perfect for relaxing with friends or family. Visitors can expect an incredibly warm, inviting atmosphere, where an array of freshly baked treats, from traditional scones to delicious cakes, are served alongside a selection of loose-leaf teas and barista-made coffees. Popular with locals and travelers alike, Badgers offers a cosy retreat for breakfast, lunch, or a Sussex afternoon tea.

Open daily, this delightful spot promises friendly service, homemade delights, and a quintessential English tea experience that captures the heart of Alfriston’s village charm.

Wingrove House – Alfriston Restaurant & Rooms

The Wingrove House Restaurant in Alfriston offers a bright, spacious dining space with beautiful views of the terrace and village church, creating an idyllic setting for any meal. Serving lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, and traditional Sunday roasts, this Alfriston restaurant focuses on modern British cuisine crafted from fresh, seasonal Sussex ingredients. After exploring village shops or nearby walking trails on the South Downs, guests can unwind by the cosy log fire in winter or enjoy the terrace with a glass of wine in warmer months. The Wingrove also offers a Private Dining Room for special celebrations or business meetings.

Chalk Coffee Co. – Alfriston Coffee Shop

Set in the heart of the village, Chalk Coffee Co is a small, characterful Alfriston café with a rustic charm that feels more like an old shed tucked to the side of the room than a polished high-street coffee shop. It’s tiny, cosy, and full of personality, with a simple, unfussy setup that lets the coffee do the talking.

Expect excellent coffee, homemade cakes, and a friendly, easygoing atmosphere where you can watch the world go by in Alfriston. A great spot to pause for a quick break or takeaway with alfresco seating. It doesn’t get more rustic than this!