If you are feeling hungry, then this guide to Sussex’s best places to eat and drink is here to inspire you. For country pubs, Michelin-star restaurants, family-friendly cafes and pubs, and other nice places to eat in Sussex, look no further than our handy compilation for cool ideas for when you are on your staycation.
We have suggestions for light lunches, pub lunches, gastropubs and fine dining for you to consider, and for ideas of places to go and things to do between mealtimes, take a look at our full guide to Sussex. There are so many great places to stay in Sussex, and we have properties across both West Sussex and East Sussex for you to choose from, some with superb kitchens where you can cook up dishes using locally sourced ingredients.
Find your ideal retreat in our collection or read on for Sussex foodie inspiration.
Sussex cottages
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Country pubs in Sussex
The White Dog, Robertsbridge, East Sussex
This traditional inn, The White Dog , is close to Bodiam Castle, in the village of Ewhurst Green. It's a very pleasant affair if you fancy some absolutely wonderful homemade food and a good selection of ales and wines. The pub has a garden that offers fantastic local views, making it perfect for a pitstop with your kids and dogs.
Stay nearby: Strawberry Hole Barn | sleeps 4 guests + 1 dog
The Ram Inn, Firle, East Sussex
The Ram Inn in Firle has been at the heart of its community, providing beer and cheer for over 500 years! With its open fire and ambient surroundings, this is the quintessential country pub and typical of the country pubs in East Sussex, with its exposed brick and flint walls. The menu is full of English favourites.
Stay nearby: Pump Cottage - Beddingham | sleeps 2 guests + 2 dogs
The Royal Oak, Poynings, West Sussex
After a long walk on the South Downs, head to The Royal Oak. Embedded into the West Sussex countryside close to Devil’s Dyke, this is the perfect place to hole up for an exemplary lunch and a restorative drink after a long walk on the Downs. There is a pleasant pub garden and a cosy fireplace to sit next to as well.
The Lamb Inn, West Wittering, West Sussex
Head to the gorgeous West Sussex coast to seek out this lovely pub close to one of the best beaches in Sussex. The Lamb Inn offers a fantastic choice of meals for lunch and dinner. Keep an eye on the specials board as there may just be something tantalising lurking for you to try. The inn’s all-weather beer garden is particularly warm and welcoming all year round! The atmosphere is friendly and it’s another comfortable hostelry to relax in whilst touring West Wittering.
Stay nearby: Dandydills | sleeps 2 guests plus 1 dog
Gastropubs in Sussex
The Ship Inn, Rye, East Sussex
The Cinque Port town of Rye is full of wonderful old pubs, all with alluring plus points. However, we’d steer you towards The Ship Inn, close to Henry James’ former home, Lamb House, and the banks of the River Tillingham. Surrounded by antique shops, this is an excellent spot for a meal between bargain hunting and getting to know lovely Rye.
Stay nearby: Riverside Cottage - Rye | sleeps 4 guests plus 2 dogs
The Sussex Ox, Milton Street, East Sussex
This East Sussex gastropub lies within the acreage of its own organic farm! Much of the meat on the menu is raised on the estate; the cattle is grain fed and the organic potatoes are grown on the land too. This makes The Sussex Ox something of a curiosity, but it’s a positive outcome for all visitors as the food and drink selection on offer is brilliant.
Stay nearby: Rushfields Barn | sleeps 4 guests plus 1 dog
The Welldiggers Arms, near Petworth, West Sussex
If you are enjoying a break in a self-catering holiday cottage near Petworth, then pay a well-earned visit to The Welldiggers Arms. This 300-year-old country pub has awe-inspiring views of the South Downs National Park and has both a cosy bar and a more formal dining room, so you can choose where to have your pint and a bite to eat. As you admire the rustic country architecture and the modern fittings, have a think about what you might want to order. The British Classic on the menu makes the most of the surroundings, using seasonal game and fresh, local vegetables.
Stay nearby: Benbow Cottage 2 | sleeps 4 guests + 1 dog
The Bricklayers Arms, Midhurst, West Sussex
Deep in the heart of West Sussex is The Bricklayers Arms, in the small market town of Midhurst. This is a welcoming gastropub with an interesting menu that covers all the bases, including gourmet burgers and surf and turf options, alongside gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options. Also boasting an enviable choice of liquors and wines, this pub is a winner.
Stay nearby: Benbow Cottage 1 | sleeps 4 + 1 dog
Fine dining in Sussex
The Ginger Pig, Hove, East Sussex
If you fancy a spot of fine dining, then the Michelin star-adorned Ginger Pig in Hove could be just what you are looking for. Brighton and Hove has no shortage of fine dining options for the discerning gourmet, and we think you might find a trip to The Ginger Pig a good choice for a laidback, fine-dining affair.
Stay nearby: Baker's Cottage | sleeps 4 guests + 1 dog
The Driftwood, Bexhill, East Sussex
After a day absorbing the wonderful exhibitions at the De La Warr Pavilion, The Driftwood in Bexhill is a great place to keep your day stylish. This Michelin star-awarded restaurant is set on the seafront in a classic Victorian building; the establishment is open for breakfast, as well as lunch and dinner. Book ahead because there are just 25 covers.
Stay nearby: Beachside | sleeps 4 guests
The Duke of Cumberland Arms, Henley, West Sussex
This Michelin-star country pub is a lovely place to eat at any time of the day during your holiday to West Sussex. Found in the hamlet of Henley, near Midhurst, The Duke of Cumberland Arms is also close to the Cowdray Estate, the home of British polo. The menu is long and mouth watering, so dining decisions are sure to cause pleasant dilemmas.
Stay nearby: Chyngton Cottage | sleeps 4 guests
The Parson’s Table, Arundel, West Sussex
Situated close to beautiful Arundel, with its appealing castle, this AA Rosette award-winning Sussex restaurant is a real treat. The food at The Parson's Table is exceptional and the presentation immaculate. Seafood, meat, poultry, and plant-based mains are something to shout about; be sure to book yourselves a table in advance, as The Parson’s Table is a well-renowned choice.
Stay nearby: The Cart Barn | sleeps 2 guests + 1 dog
Family-friendly restaurants and cafes in Sussex
Baqueano, Brighton, East Sussex
Treat the family to dinner with a difference and head out to Brighton’s Baqueano. This Argentinian restaurant welcomes families to sample seriously tasty food and drink. The menu is curated to reflect traditional Argentinian fare and it’s a popular dining destination for locals and visitors alike. You can even order takeaway and dine along the seafront should the mood take.
Stay nearby: Rushfields Barn | sleeps 4 guests + 1 dog
Sub-Station, Seaford, East Sussex
Sub-Station is the place to head to for a light lunch if you have a lot to pack in during a family day out. The family-friendly Sub Station in Seaford specialises in cold lunches and snacks making it a great choice. You can also enjoy a takeaway and walk up to the National Trust’s iconic Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters. The Seven Sisters walk ends in nearby Eastbourne where a wide range of popular restaurants awaits.
Stay nearby: Bee Keepers Rest | sleeps 4 guests + 1 dog
Munch Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Worthing, West Sussex
If you love to unwind with a coffee on a family holiday, then the reliable Munch Coffee Bar & Kitchen in Worthing is a good place to stop. With a large menu filled with family favourites (made from local produce where possible), this is an ambient café with a wide choice of cakes and beverages for you to choose from. It is close to Worthing’s seafront and its busy shopping centre.
Stay nearby: The Beach Hut - Felpham | sleeps 4 guests + 1 dog
Waves, Selsey, West Sussex
You can’t go wrong with a visit to Waves in Selsey; every town has a café that delivers unfussy square meals with aplomb. Waves is an exemplar of its kind and the kids will be thrilled with the variety on the menu; their junior menu offers all the top five most requested tea-time favourites! Afterwards, head to the beach to walk the calories off.
Stay nearby: Coastguard Cottage | sleeps 4 guests
Map of where to eat in Sussex
Find East Sussex and West Sussex’s restaurants, cafes, and pubs.
Stay with us in Sussex
Discover pretty Sussex and visit some of the county’s best places to eat and drink. We have a large selection of self-catering holiday cottages for you to choose from, with properties large and small to meet all your requirements. View our range of Sussex cottages today.
Sussex cottages