Restaurants, country pubs and dining in the Sussex Countryside
Restaurants Brighton has been drawn together so it provides an information portal for Brighton residents, residents of surrounding areas and visitors to Brighton. This is so you can very easily get in the car, go for a walk or a cycle and you can go and appreciate the Sussex countryside and Sussex restaurants.
These restaurants are just on our door step really, quietly nestled next to the South Downs National Park or Seven Sisters and there is just so much to explore. This guide does not provide you with an exhaustive list of restaurants in Sussex, of course not; we are merely summarising the Sussex Countryside pubs which we have visited – and these are the ones, along with a few town restaurants, that we want to tell you about.
Since arriving in Brighton in 1999 we have always been big fans of travelling far and wide, to find some of the best eateries, village pubs, walks, cycle routes and we have travelled the South Downs from Winchester to Eastbourne. Here are just a few of the Sussex villages and restaurants that we have visited and they are great for a summers evening after work so it feels like you have made the most of the evening, alternatively they may be locations that help you make the most of a weekend day in the country.
So whether you are here on holiday, a lady or gent of leisure, or you are a Brighton commuter looking to get out the city, use our Brighton restaurants guide by clicking on this link and it will take you to our recommended summary of Sussex Restaurants.
Here are a few of our Sussex food pub favourites to keep you going too:
Located on the foot of the South Downs in a small village called Findon, this Sussex restaurant is open for weekday lunches, evenings and weekends and offers quite a varied menu, all delightfully prepared. The owner Sinan is somewhat of an exhibitionist when it comes to presentation and his food would be best described as a fusion of European flavours. Try it on a summers day and make sure you sit outback under their vines.
Ben McKellar, chef-owner of the Gingerman group of restaurants and pubs, doesn’t know it, but he’s responsible for our frequent outings to the Sussex countryside and he provides great reasons to do so. This pub is a twist on the Gingerman restaurant and the food feels a lot more assured. Can get a little busy on popular days so please book in advance. Perhaps combine it with a trip to Devils Dyke.
The Jolly Sportsman, East Chiltington
The Jolly Sportsman is situated on a quiet, no-through lane in rural East Chiltington, Sussex by the South Downs, 20 mins from Brighton. Since 1998 it has been run by Bruce Wass who was the Chef / Proprietor of the highly acclaimed Thackerays House restaurant in Tunbridge Wells. They aim to serve good reliably sourced food in a relaxed setting where you can enjoy a bar snack and a pint of local ale or a three course meal with fine wine from our their extensive list. Go on try it, you wont be disappointed! www.thejollysportsman.com
The Anchor Inn, Barcombe, Lewes
Near Barcombe, is a picture postcard Sussex country pub and 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 from our menu. Boats can be hired to explore the surrounding river and countryside. A delightful little spot to visit in our opinion with good quality food and it makes you feel like you’ve been out for the day! www.anchorinnandboating.co.uk
The Shepherd & Dog, Fulking, West Sussex
The Shepherd & Dog is a very traditional and classic Sussex English country pub/ restaurant with a modern approach to food and is nestled in a picture perfect setting at the foot of the South Downs in the village of Fulking. At this Sussex pub they prioritise locally sourced, sustainable, organic & free range produce and all their fish are line caught, not drag-netted, ensuring the health and longevity of our local waters. This place is great for a day trip from Brighton, the food is above average and it is a great way to include a walk if you fancy it, if not just a great drive through picturesque country villages. Enjoy! www.shepherdanddogpub.co.uk
