Restaurant Brighton's guide to
Pubs in Sussex
Our top picks
Pubs in Sussex Ideas
Discover the best pubs in Sussex.
The Sussex countryside is beautiful and has so much to offer including delicious places to eat and drink. Here is our pick of the best country pubs, perfect to visit if you live slightly outside of Brighton or maybe you just fancy a change of scenery. If you are looking for a lovely Sussex restaurant instead of pub, you can check out our list of favourites here. Other popular Sussex pages include Sussex Farm Shops and Sussex Walks.
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Pubs in Brighton
Sussex Sunday Roasts
Restaurants in Sussex
Nestled in the heart of East Chiltington, The Jolly Sportsman pub and B&B offers top-notch Sussex cuisine and wines. Recognized in the AA guide, it’s a haven for wine lovers and travellers seeking an authentic experience. With locally sourced ingredients, a diverse wine selection, and cosy accommodation, it’s the ultimate retreat. Enjoy classic cooking techniques, fresh seafood, and hearty Sunday roasts. The extensive wine list features over 50 wines from around the world and local English vineyards. Relax in the garden or by the fire, savoring the charm of the Sussex countryside.
Enjoy a fine selection of locally sourced foods, wines and ales in this Grade II listed gastro pub situated on the edge of the South Downs national park. With a beautiful 1/3 acre beer garden, a generously proportioned Sussex restaurant, and three bar areas ranging from the social front bar to the intimate ‘snug’ The New Inn offers a traditional pub feel with contemporary dining. Their drinks menu includes many local craft ales and an award-winning wine list with a strong commitment to local English wines. A wonderful spot to enjoy a proper Sussex pub fire too.
Beach House in Worthing is a standout pub known for its prime location offering stunning seafront views and easy access to Worthing Centre. Its relaxed beachfront vibe pairs perfectly with a menu featuring famous burgers and fresh seafood, catering to diverse tastes. The Sussex pub also boasts a curated selection of local ales, ideal for enjoying on their suntrap terrace. Whether you’re exploring the vibrant town centre or strolling along the seafront, Beach House provides a quintessential Worthing experience.
The Eight Bells Jevington is an award-winning Sussex pub near Eastbourne. This charming spot features a beautiful garden with views of the South Downs, where horses roam and summer BBQs are hosted. Inside, the pub blends traditional charm with modern touches, offering a spacious yet cosy atmosphere. With a fireplace for winter, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a hearty Sunday lunch.
Formerly, two pubs, the Magpie and the Sportsman, the Grade II listed buildings were knocked through into one. This traditional ‘beer house’ has become established as a community hub, serving from breakfast through to evening meals, live entertainment and good ale. Situated north of Hurstpierpoint at Goddards Green, the Sportsman has a large open Sussex beer garden that catches plenty of sun and children’s play area.
The Duck Inn in Rottingdean is a welcoming 19th-century coaching inn nestled on the edge of the South Downs, just a short journey from Brighton. Run by friends Tom and James, the pub offers a cosy, relaxed atmosphere with a focus on seasonal British cooking and low-intervention wines. Families and dogs are warmly welcomed, with a spacious garden perfect for sunny days. Inside, the traditional setting features a real fire, creating a homely environment. Whether you’re stopping by after a coastal walk or seeking a hearty meal, The Duck Inn provides a delightful Sussex country pub experience.
The Plough Inn serves home cooked food every night of the week with roasts on Sunday. It is also available for private hire with a first-floor function room. The menu is classic pub but elevated in quality, with everything made fresh. Weekends can get busy, especially Sundays so if you are planning to eat, booking is advised. For those looking for an out of town experience, the Plough is a short bus journey, or a healthy walk or cycle along the Brighton Marina undercliff walk.
The Talbot sits in the heart of Cuckfield village and serves a wonderful range of lunch, bar and dinner menus as well as the traditional Sunday lunch. It has an extensive wine list, regional ales, and a relaxed atmosphere. The Talbot is child and dog friendly and hosts the Cuckfield Food Market. Great for pub and restaurant dining. Good for large parties. Serves good pub classics along with restaurant quality dishes.
A standout Sussex pub with plenty of history. The 16th C Fountain Inn is full of old world charm and a gorgeous destination to visit come rain or shine. With its beautiful beer garden and duck pond or inglenook interiors with low beams and fireplaces it is a gem in the heart of Ashurst, Ashurst itself being a gem in the heart of Sussex. Freshly prepared locally sourced food populates the menu, maintaining a traditional pub style fare but with a gastropub stint. Did you know Paul McCartney staged his Christmas hit ‘Wonderful Christmas Time‘ at this pub. A wonderful Sussex or Brighton wedding venue too.
A pubs in Sussex near Henfield. The Gingerman group has become synonymous with a level of dining experience that sets the bar for many. The Ginger Fox is the groups rendering of what a high end, classic English country pub should be and what is delivered doesn’t disappoint. Gastro dining in the Sussex downs with locally sourced produce and an exceptional all round experience The Ginger Fox won The Sussex Finest BRAVO award in 2019 for best Sussex pub.
The Cricketers in Worthing is a beloved Sussex pub located in the charming Broadwater area, just outside the town centre. As a warm and welcoming community pub, it caters to locals and families, providing a cosy atmosphere where everyone feels at home. Following a recent refurbishment, the beautifully rejuvenated pub maintains its unique character while adding modern touches. With its inviting beer garden, and a commitment to serving the community, The Cricketers in Worthing is a cherished destination for locals and visitors alike.
The Anchor Inn, near Barcombe is a picture postcard Sussex country pub and Sussex restaurant set on the west bank of the River Ouse. It is one of the most unspoilt parts of rural Sussex, four miles or so away from Lewes. Built back in 1790, the Inn has a long history, and today offers two cosy bars and two restaurant rooms, serving real ale, bottled lagers, fine wines and freshly prepared food. Boats can be hired to explore the surrounding river and countryside.
The Rose and Crown is situated in the picturesque village Cuckfield, around 35 minutes from Brighton. It is a family business run by Simon and Mark Dennis, who also run the popular sister venue The Crown Inn at Horsted Keynes. Serving modern British food and a great selection of drinks there’s a fabulous beer garden, a lounge or the main sussex restaurant you can enjoy your food in.
One of our favourite pubs in Sussex. The Crabtree is a family run public house, located in the beautiful Sussex countryside south of Horsham. They pride themselves in serving great local, seasonal food, organic wines and fabulous real ales in warm and welcoming surroundings. Highly recommended if you’re after a drive into the Sussex countryside for top notch Sussex restaurant or gastro pub dining. About 25 minutes drive from the outskirts of Brighton.
The Sussex Ox is a quintessential Sussex country pub. Situated within acres of its own rolling farmland, which literally provides the meat and potatoes on the menu, the Sussex Ox really does provide farm to fork dining. The menu focusses on freshness and seasonality, changing monthly to reflect the produce. The pub prides itself on serving customers some of the best craft beer Sussex has to offer and their wine list is carefully put together featuring natural wines to match the menu. The pub itself is warm, family and community orientated with three main bars and a sizeable beer garden with panoramic views.
The Ram Inn is in the quintessentially beautiful English village, Firle. It’s just off the A27, and with easy access to over 100 miles of walking and cycling along the South Downs, the Ram Inn is a perfect stop off point! Having built a reputation for excellent local food as well as locally produced cask ales, The Ram Inn isn’t one to miss if you’re over that way. You can read up on exactly where their ingredients are sourced from over on their website. Photograph credit: The Ram Inn
Co owners of The Wheatsheaf, Nilton and Matt, have created a cosy and friendly venue offering a home cooked, home grown, unpretentious menu. The beautifully kept gardens are great for summer days and warm evenings, while the roaring fires and comfy furnishings makes for braving inclement conditions worthwhile. The Wheatsheaf is a welcoming Sussex pub to families and dog owners, and caters well for vegetarians, vegans, and those with dairy and or gluten free diets.
When we first moved to Brighton this was one of our favourite pubs in Sussex. An idyllic country boozer with the character and charm from a bygone era. Whether you’re combining your visit with a picturesque walk from The Devils Dyke, you’re making a countryside getaway from Brighton or you’re attending one of their regular events, The Shepherd & Dog has a lot to offer considering its nestled in quite a sleepy village at the bottom of the foothills of the South Downs National Park. An excellent choice if you are considering a Sussex walk.
Pubs in Sussex - Navigate by area.
Sussex is home to a diverse range of pubs nestled in charming towns, vibrant city corners, and tranquil countryside spots. Whether you’re seeking a quiet retreat in a cosy village inn or a lively pint in the heart of Brighton, there’s something for every taste. In this guide, we introduce you to some standout areas across Sussex, giving you a feel for each location and the unique pubs they offer. From seaside views and bustling neighbourhoods to rolling hills and historic streets, there’s always a pub to discover nearby! Click on the location to see pubs in the area.
- Poynings: A scenic village at the foot of the South Downs, perfect for countryside pub strolls.
- Alfriston: Quaint, historical charm with riverside walks and cosy, traditional inns.
- East Chiltington: Rural haven, surrounded by farmland and offering peaceful country pubs.
- Brighton Station: Bustling urban hub with easy access to lively pubs and great people-watching.
- Hanover: Brighton’s “Muesli Mountain” with colourful streets and a mix of community-led pubs.
- London Road: Eclectic and vibrant, packed with alternative pubs and diverse local crowds.
- Patcham: A suburban area north of Brighton with friendly, traditional pubs and open spaces nearby.
- Preston Park: Leafy green area with a relaxed vibe, perfect for casual drinks after a park stroll.
- Brighton Seafront: Iconic coastline filled with buzzing pubs offering sea views and summer vibes.
- Seven Dials: Trendy residential hub with an array of independent pubs and bistros.
- Albourne: A countryside escape with serene pubs set among vineyards and orchards.
- Ashurst: Charming hamlet with historic pubs, ideal for peaceful country retreats.
- Cuckfield: A picture-perfect village boasting charming pubs nestled in the High Weald.
- Goddards Green: Tucked-away gem with traditional pubs offering a rural escape.
- Hurstpierpoint: A lovely village with inviting pubs and a thriving community spirit.
- Lewes: Historic market town with quirky, characterful pubs and a real ale tradition.
- Rottingdean: Seaside village with clifftop walks and welcoming pubs along the coast.
- Shoreham: Riverside pubs and beachside charm, offering the best of coastal Sussex.
- Lindfield: A picturesque village with charming pubs perfect for unwinding after a countryside stroll.
- Worthing: A lively seaside town with a great selection of traditional pubs and modern bars along the coast.
Each area brings its own distinct flavour, from historic towns to peaceful country retreats!
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According to a public vote in the BRAVO awards in 2023, here are the most highly regarded Sussex pubs and Sussex restaurants voted for by the Sussex public. After 60,000 votes, here are the top 20 Sussex Finest.
The Sussex restaurants with a Michelin star can be seen on this Michelin round-up, which includes Brighton restaurants with Bib Gourmand inclusions. No Sussex pubs have a Michelin star currently. Here are all the award winning venues from the 2023 BRAVO Awards featuring the Top 20 Sussex Finest.
This Sussex pubs guide with country walks gives you many options across Sussex and some amazing beauty spots to go and discover. Featured Sussex pubs with nearby walks include:
- The New Inn – Hurstpierpoint
- The Sportsman Pub – Goddards Green
- The Cider Tap – Wobblegate Farm
- Morley’s Bistro – Hurstpierpoint
- The Plough Inn – Rottingdean
- Morley’s Bistro – Hurstpierpoint
- The Plough Inn – Rottingdean
- The Sportsman Pub – Goddards Green
- The New Inn – Hurstpierpoint
