Best Gastropubs in Sussex

In total, there are 13 award winning gastropubs in Sussex, based on the combined awards from the leading UK restaurant guides.

Were you expecting to see more food pubs listed in Sussex? Remember at Leading Restaurants we only list gastropubs in the UK and Ireland holding an award from a major UK restaurant guide; less than 3% of the total restaurants in the UK and Ireland currently hold such an award, and the proportion of award winning gastropubs is likely even lower than this.

The best gastropub in Sussex is The Bell in Ticehurst (based on our unique combination of the leading UK restaurant guides) where the kitchen team serves up award winning Traditional British Cuisine. The Bell currently holds a standard Michelin Guide listing and 2 AA Rosettes.

There are currently no gastropubs holding a Michelin Star in Sussex, however there is 1 gastropub holding a Michelin Bib Gourmand and 5 gastropubs holding a standard Michelin Guide listing.

There are currently 9 listed AA Rosette gastropubs in Sussex consisting of 5 gastropubs holding 2 AA Rosettes and 4 gastropubs holding 1 AA Rosette.

Sussex, stretching from the rolling South Downs to the broad sweep of the English Channel, has long been a cradle of great British pub culture. Its inns and taverns historically served farmers, shepherds and coastal traders, each leaving their mark on the hearty food traditions still celebrated today. The region has always taken pride in honest, locally sourced produce: South Downs lamb, coastal seafood and the fruits of its orchards and hop gardens. This heritage shines through in the many gastropubs that champion seasonal menus and revive classic Sussex dishes such as Sussex smokie or a proper steak and ale pie brewed with local bitters. For anyone who loves a pub where the food is as important as the ale, Sussex is a delight. The Cat Inn in West Hoathly has earned a reputation for beautifully prepared, modern British plates served in a historic 16th century setting. Near the coast, The Ginger Pig in Hove offers refined gastropub fare with a focus on regional ingredients, while The Shepherd and Dog in Fulking is famed both for its rustic charm and its inventive menus inspired by local producers. These pubs, and many others dotted across the countryside and coastal towns, showcase why Sussex remains one of the United Kingdoms most rewarding regions for anyone who relishes the meeting of culinary craft and historic pub tradition.