West Sussex pub guide - information about pubs and bars in West Sussex # beerintheevening.com

West Sussex pub and bar guide

Here's a guide to the pubs and bars of West Sussex - good or bad, we bring you the most talked about venues and the places you have to visit at least once. We've included a few user reviews, to give you an idea of what to expect when you get there. Or you can follow the links to see full details and all reviews for each pub.

The Cat Inn, West Hoathly

Address: Queens Square, West Hoathly, East Grinstead, West Sussex, RH19 4PP [map]
Phone: 01342 810369
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Nearest train stations: Balcombe (4.1 miles), East Grinstead (4.1 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

Went with a group of friends last saturday, did a 3 mile walk, extremely picturesque village and great short walks! Amazing views opposite the pub at the rear of church over the south downs, well worth a look. Gem of a village followed by another superb meal, especially good fresh fish!
All in all another great day in a lovely village in a perfect country pub, with great company.......

30 Apr 2008 16:28

Wonderful pub to stop at for a couple of pints and a Sunday Roast whilst doing a long walk. It was snowing heavily outside and the open fire was as warm as the welcome from the staff and the locals. Four real ales were on including Harveys Best and Mild. Both were first class. The lunch portions are just a little small for £12 but that's a very very minor criticism.

6 Apr 2008 19:35

second visit and as before great food, great atmosphere, & a fantastic time had by all of our group. Good selection of real ales, and all of them from SUSSEX, lovely log fires, not to forget unusual vintage racing car in the middle of the pub!!! Definately one for the boys!

will be back very soon. 10/10

17 Mar 2008 13:22

The Gribble Inn, Oving

Address: Gribble Lane, Oving, Chichester, West Sussex, PO20 2BP [map]
Phone: 01243 786893
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Nearest train stations: Chichester (2.8 miles), Barnham (4 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

No atmosphere???
I just searched this pub to get a phone number to book a table for this weekend after having an incrediable night at the pub on friday!!
I am very shocked to see anybody would write that the pub was dull!
I took a potential girlfriend to The Gribble on friday for dinner. There was a live band in the bar area, and the pub was full of friendly people dancing and drinking from the huge range of gribble brewed ales!!
Have to say that Bashfull beaver was a tasty number!!
The bad comments on this site should be discredited, had a Great night, only down side i could find to the pub was that one of us had to drive!!
Will certainly be going there again!!! :-)

29 Sep 2008 17:08

Went to the Gribble on sunday with my family. Had a Brilliant time, the food was Fantastic! The service was good, staff seemed very friendly and were very "chatty".
Sunday roast seemed expensive but once it appeared on the table, with all its trimmings it was well worth every penny.
Will definatley go to the Gribble more often.

29 Sep 2008 16:38

I've tried The Gribble several times. Everytime I think "another go...?" and everytime I leave disappointed. The beer is good. Perhaps that should be the only consideration?
On the toher hand, the food is dull and overpriced, the family room is dank and lifeless (even with children in it) and the whole pub in need of a fresh direction. A place can only trade on past glories for a limited period.

22 Sep 2008 21:16

The Duke Of Wellington, Shoreham by Sea

Address: 368 Brighton Rd, Shoreham by Sea, West Sussex, BN43 6RE [map]
Phone: 01273 389818
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Nearest train stations: Shoreham-by-sea (0.2 miles), Shoreham-by-Sea (0.2 miles), Southwick (1.5 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

Wonderful down-to-earth pub - great beer, great bands, great atmosphere, and run by a landlord who loves his job. Top.

10 Jun 2008 21:20

This pub has a great music tradition in Shoreham, Bands play most Fridays and some Saturdays. Check out the Duke of Wellington Myspace site for bands and dates.

8 May 2008 16:22

Excellent Dark Star beer in a good friendly, no-nonsense boozer. Well worth a visit.

29 Apr 2008 15:32

The Three Moles Inn, Selham

Address: Selham, Petworth, West Sussex, GU28 0PN [map]
Phone: 01798 861303
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Reviews by BITE users:

Excellent if not slightly different from the Old Moles.
New owners seem very friendly and made us feel very welcome, still 4-5 real ales and the legendary Burrow Hill Cider.
Will be back very soon.

2 Jul 2008 18:12

Ok, I'm not from around these parts but as far as the 'clinical wine bar' comment goes (SamRich) I really can't see any comparison whatsoever! We recently stayed in Fittleworth and as always look on our OS map for pubs in the locality. We chose to stop by here after a walk around Bignor and were both exceptionally impressed! Fantastic ales and very friendly locals. The Landlord is a lovely bloke too. Highly recommend the Hip Hop ale from neighbouring brewery Langhams at Lodsworth, it was a real treat to the taste buds!

1 Jun 2008 23:22

Lets hope the last Review is wrong, all shall be revilled at the Beer Festival!

26 May 2008 12:30

The Noahs Ark Inn, Lurgashall

Address: The Green, Lurgashall, Petworth, West Sussex, GU28 9ET [map]
Phone: 01428 707346
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Reviews by BITE users:

Wonderful idylic location overlooking village green, giving a typical village pub setting. Under new management since end of 2006 - no more dart board as it has become a gastro pub. As Biker remarked you need to get your wallet ready £3/pint and menu mostly over £10! Very small pub car park - have to park elsewhere around green - this is not so good when its wet and muddy.

23 Jun 2008 20:21

Visited 6 June 08 for morning coffe. Very nice place as described in previous reviews but when I see sandwiches priced at £6 ish, alarm bells begin to ring quite loudly ! Put simply, 2 small coffees and a packet of crisps was about £4.60. We left and went to the Winterton Arms (q.v.) for lunch.

Visitors, fantastic setting, lovely pub and the dogs are delightful but get an extension on your credit card. It's doubtful if anyone in Britain owns a wallet or handbag big enough to pay cash here ! 6/10

6 Jun 2008 15:49

On a warm summers evening, with a cold pint of beer in hand, sat in front of the Noah's Ark, you could be forgiven for feeling as if you are sat in a beer advert. The location of the pub is idyllic, and quintessentially English.
Furthermore, the menu looks fantastic and well balanced, using local produce. i was presented with a charming welcome, and was looked after extremely well, throughout our meal by an eclectic front of house staff
In short, one of the best pub in the area.

27 May 2008 22:19

The Plough & Attic Rooms ' Time Well Spent', Rusper

Address: High St, Rusper, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 4PX [map]
Phone: 01293 871215
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Nearest train stations: Faygate (2 miles), Ifield (3 miles), Warnham (3.3 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

Good staff, good pint of London Pride, and a lively atmosphere. A 16th century building I think, with the lowest ceilings I've ever seen, so watch your head after a few jars, or walk between the beams!

25 May 2008 11:42

Came here on May Day, very busy, very hot, great bbq great garden.This place rocks!!!!!

10 May 2008 20:01

We had the pleasure of holding our wedding meal at this pub on the 12th April 2008. Mark could not have been more helpfull in organising and creating menus for both children and adults leaving us nothing to worry about on our special day. The service, atmosphere, food and drink could not have been better. A great time was had by all our 40 guests. We would reccommend this to anyone.

15 Apr 2008 20:19

The Charles Dickens, Worthing

Address: 56 Heene Road, Worthing, West Sussex, BN11 3RG [map]
Phone: 01903 603791
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Nearest train stations: West Worthing (0.8 miles), Worthing (0.8 miles), Durrington-on-sea (1.4 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

We called in yesterday for a drink, the refurbishment has worked well in our opinion. The interior has several smallish but secluded areas capable of seating 6 + people comfortably. Outside, it's an array of colours around the garden including some tomatoes and rhubarb ! Drinks, 4 real ales - each in perfect condition ! Menu, straightforward pub-grub and reasonably priced. 8/10

20 Jul 2008 06:46

The refurb is nearly finished and we hope to be open on tues 8th july 2008 at 8pm. A complete transformation has taken place no more stale tobbaco odurs, dingy toilets, duck egg blue, tired and dated decor. Same friendly staff, a passion for real ale and real pubs, dogs still welcome, will be serving food from 15th july and our first beer festival will feature 6 local ales and 3 national and mild, hope to see you all soon and too hear what you think, regards Malcolm and the Dickens team.

5 Jul 2008 21:34

Refurbishment internally commences monday 19th may 2008 will be completed early july, long overdue but worth it, garden should be even better by then, thanks for the encouragement. A beer festival is planned for end of july and much more over the comming months.

14 May 2008 21:27

The Stand Up Inn, Lindfield

Address: 47 High Street, Lindfield, Haywards Heath, West Sussex, RH16 2HN [map]
Phone: 01444 482995
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Nearest train stations: Haywards Heath (1.3 miles), Wivelsfield (4 miles), Balcombe (4.1 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

DO NOT PASS THIS PUB BY. What a gem. It's a tied pub belonging to the Dark Star brewery (famed for delicious hophead ale) but also has guest beers from other micros. If you like cider there are 3 of those to choose from two. The girls in charge a great, and so too the barman. I was passing through on the annual London/Brighton cycle ride. Now I have to devise other reasons for going back - once a year won't be enough!

16 Jun 2008 22:46

Excellent house - great beers and friendly welcome. Always a pleasure to visit!

10 Jun 2008 21:22

The new landladies are now in charge but, don't worry, this pub and its beer, cider and perry are as good as ever. Food seems to be more widely available, though apparently they don't do it if they're too busy. The Dark Star "Old" was wonderful.

7 Apr 2008 14:41

The Malt Shovel, Horsham

Address: 15 Springfield Road, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 2PG [map]
Phone: 01403 254543
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Nearest train stations: Horsham (0.5 miles), Littlehaven (1.5 miles), Christs Hospital (1.8 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

why does the beer taste of line cleaner??? are they always cleaning the lines or not rinsing them out?? Does any regular visitor have any helpfull comments for the manageress??

3 Jun 2008 18:18

Visited for the 1st time on Saturday and not as good as i expected, place seems a tad run down and dull but the beer tasted alright.

26 May 2008 12:35

I thought I’d give The Malt Shovel another go yesterday but my beer still had a tang of line cleaner in the taste, so I think I’ll give the place a wide berth for quite some while.A shame because in many respects this place is a great pub.

29 Mar 2008 22:28

The Duke of Cumberland, Henley

Address: Henley, Fernhurst, West Sussex, GU27 3HQ [map]
Phone: 01428 652280
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Reviews by BITE users:

Fantastic little pub, i was told it was once 3 cottages,also been advised to book if you want to eat.Its been years since i first came across this place compleatly by chance,just passed it again and will be calling (booking)in the next few weeks can`t wait.

2 Aug 2008 12:56

Very selfish I know, but this pub is one of the best kept secrets of quintissential 16th century English pubs in SE England. Let's keep it this way. Therefore nothing further to add!!

9 Jul 2008 13:27

haven't visited here for a long time, but will again soon if the place is reviving...
used to serve quality ales, lets hope it will do again...

27 Jun 2008 10:34

The Foresters Arms, Horsham

Address: 43 St Leonards Road, Horsham, West Sussex, RH13 6EH [map]
Phone: 01403 254458
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Nearest train stations: Horsham (0.7 miles), Littlehaven (1.7 miles), Christs Hospital (2.4 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

Many thanks to Jo and Laura for an excellent lunch yesterday at the Foresters, if there was a prize for the most improved pub ever this would win it!

26 May 2008 19:31

visited 24th november lunchtime. greeted by the friendly landlord and was promptly served with a refreshing pint of bombadier. also had a fantastic meal and a couple more pints. the landlord joe made everyone, including myself, feel very welcome and the sight of a roaring fire was very welcoming indeed.

1 Dec 2007 22:42

I hadn’t been in here for a couple of years so I was pleased to find a friendly welcome and a decent pint of Harveys this evening. Although this pub is the opposite end of town from where I live, I shall be going back.

16 Sep 2007 22:03

The Buckingham Arms, Shoreham by Sea

Address: 35, Brunswick Rd, Shoreham-By-Sea, West Sussex, BN43 5WA [map]
Phone: 01273 453660
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Nearest train stations: Shoreham-by-sea (0.1 miles), Shoreham-by-Sea (0.1 miles), Southwick (1.7 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

Beer is always spot on. Friendly pub. one moan is the difficulty getting past the barfly's

8 May 2008 16:16

Excellent and very friendly local convenient for the station.Beer choice and quality superb. Food not too impressive, but good value.

29 Apr 2008 15:29

Excellent and very friendly local convenient for the station.Beer choice and quality superb. Food not too impressive, but good value.

29 Apr 2008 15:29

The Foresters Arms, Graffham

Address: The Street, Graffham, Petworth, West Sussex, GU28 0QA [map]
Phone: 01798 867202
See full pub details

Reviews by BITE users:

A pleasant enough pub with a limited menu. The chef could do with taking lessons on what constitutes rare, medium and well done. In his book medium was burnt. Complaints go unheeded. Not a venue to return to.

29 Jul 2008 17:59

Please disregard my previous review it was meant for The White Horse at Graffham.
The Foresters gets better with excellent food & gradually more locals returning.

15 May 2008 21:56

This pub is just getting better by the week. Strongly recommend Skinners Betty Stogs!

26 Apr 2008 18:49

The Snooty Fox, Three Bridges

Address: Haslett Avenue, Three Bridges, Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 1LX [map]
Phone: 01293 619759
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Nearest train stations: Three Bridges (0 miles), Crawley (1.2 miles), Ifield (2.5 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

Don't bother with the food, check on arrival. Sign outside stating food available then when you try to place an order it's off, no one available to cook it, chef not arrived

7 Jun 2008 08:04

It seems that my first impressions were incorrect. It would seem that the "management style" is one of intimidation rather than encouragement. Also a rather curious way of asking people to drink up, a rather feeble looking old man shouts at people as soon after 11 as possible followed by an older lady telling her customers (ie the people who pay her wages) to drink up and **** off. However, it's on my doorstep so I can put up with it as long as they keep the 2 meals for 1 deal going and obviously as long as I **** off as soon as the clock strikes 11.

11 Jan 2008 17:59

Just moved to the area, seems a resonable pub so far. Not sure about some aspects of it though. Management and staff seem to be missing something, maybe a sense of team work? Too much shouting and dummy spitting? Also not sure who's meant to be in control.

7 Jan 2008 19:29

The Lamb Inn, West Wittering

Address: Chichester Road, West Wittering, Chichester, West Sussex, PO20 8QA [map]
Phone: 01243 511105
See full pub details

Nearest train station: Bosham (4.2 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

Been to the lamb this weekend and yet again had an absolutely fantastic meal. They were very busy and although we had not booked the landlady went out of her way to fit us in. The traditional Roast Beef was fantastic, better than I've had anywhere before, and so much of it!!!! My friends had their Badger Ale Haddock & chips, Homemade lasagne and Haddock & prawn Mornay and despite the huge portions, not a scrap was left. All brilliant.
It is aslo good that the lamb inn offers a varied Childrens menu, not all chips, chips, chips!
We love the Lamb Inn, we always feel welcome and look forward to our next visit.

3 Aug 2008 21:38

We went to the Lamb for drinks and dinner, the drinks were fine however the food left a lot to be desired. The Pork, apple and cider sausages were, by the landlady's admission "not very apple-y" and upon complaining about the grit found in a caesar salad, the barman informed me that "lettuce grows in the ground" which may be the source of the grit. Another meal in the group had an errant Lamb sausage appear on their pork only order however the pub refused to make a positive identity on that particular item.

A nice pub overall, but spoilt by a possibly unlucky dining experience.

24 May 2008 21:12

Yet another great meal! Had not been in for a while but yet again the food was fantastic and the staff so obliging. Took some friends that had not been there before and they agree with us that the Food at the Lamb inn cannot be beaten! While my friends opted for Steaks (which were cooked to perfection!) I tried the butterfish which was out of this world.My husband tried another sausage & mash combination which was delicious. We always know that we will have a good meal out whenever we visit the Lamb.

30 Apr 2008 20:03

More information

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