Brighton is no stranger to a rustic, charming, and traditional pub. In fact, the town is positively bursting at the seams with eclectic places to drink. However, those wandering a little further abroad from the city limits will find some truly hidden gems decorating the scenic towns and villages of the famous neighbouring South Downs and further afield in the Sussex countryside. Here are some of the best country pubs near Brighton…
The Shepherd And Dog, Fulking
Situated in the nearby village of Fulking, just north of Brighton, The Shepherd and Dog is a delightful and picturesque gem of a pub nestled in the heart of the Sussex countryside. This pub is a relic of a boozer, with the Grade II building which houses the pub dating back to the 1800s.
Complete with everything that makes a cosy country pub special, including rustic wooden beams, vintage decor and a warm open fireplace during the winter months, The Shepherd and Dog is the perfect place to stop off for a spot of lunch after a busy day exploring the South Downs.
The menu at the pub is full of traditional pub-grub fare, including a full Ploughman’s platter, Cheese and Veggie burgers, and succulent fish dishes.
The pub is extremely popular on weekends and during the holiday high season so booking ahead is essential to avoid disappointment.
Address: The Street, Fulking, Henfield, BN5 9LU
The Ramm Inn, Firle
The scenic village of Firle is a hotspot for daytrippers seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of Brighton’s busy shopping districts. The village of Firle is a delightful and friendly place to visit, while The Ramm Inn is its public house centrepiece.
The pub is always popular with locals and visitors alike, and with three spacious dining rooms all complete with a fireplace, The Ramm Inn has everything that makes visiting a traditional country pub such a heartwarming experience.
The building is centuries old and is built from rambling old brick and flint giving the pub a timeless ambience, whilst the menu at The Ramm doesn’t disappoint either with traditional pub grub and a wide selection of drinks available to choose from.
Address: The St, Firle, West Firle, Lewes, BN8 6NS
The Ginger Fox, Hassocks
The Ginger Group have been quietly going about their business building a Sussex-based, homegrown empire of delectable pubs and restaurants in the Brighton and Hove area. In addition to Brighton’s very own Flint House, Ginger Pig, and Gingerman restaurants, The Ginger Fox in nearby Hassocks is the quintessential country pub experience.
Nestled in the heart of the rural South Downs, The Ginger Fox is a gastro pub with heart, soul and flavour to boot. Its the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a hearty meal and a cold pint after an energetic day stretching your legs in the East Sussex countryside.
The menu is unsurprisingly full of panache and enterprise, with a 35-day aged rump steak and a vegetarian platter being highlights of the food on offer here.
The pub is constantly attracting attention from locals and Brightonians alike so booking a table well in advance during busy holiday seasons is a must to avoid disappointment.
Address: Middleswood, Road, Hassocks, BN6 9EA
The Plough Inn, Rottingdean
Visiting Brighton’s neighbouring towns and villages has its perks. Chief among them is frequenting the traditional and timeless pubs that gift these sleepy parts of the world much of their heritage and lifeblood.
The picturesque seaside village of Rottingdean is a great place to explore and spend the day, or if you’re pressed for time, The Plough Inn will do just fine to satiate hungry explorers.
The pub is enviably located beside the picturesque village pond and green and is the perfect place to relax and watch the world go by on a clear summer’s day.
The pub’s interior boasts all the trimmings of a traditional pub aesthetic with wood panelling and exposed beams, whilst the atmosphere inside is both friendly and inviting.
The Plough Inn is a pet-friendly pub, so there’s no need to fret about bringing a pet.
Address: Vicarage Ln, Rottingdean, Brighton and Hove, BN2 7HD
The New Inn, Hurstpierpoint
Sussex heritage and good old-fashioned pub grub go hand-in-hand at The New Inn at Hurstpierpoint. Hurstpierpoint is named after Simon de Pierpoint, who was gifted the lands where the pub stands after victory at The Battle of Hastings.
The New Inn is one of the oldest public houses in the county and unlike its name is a mere 570 years old created to replace the former inn where the pub now stands in 1450.
The building has been meticulously maintained over the years and for intrepid travellers who venture through its doors, it boasts many a hidden gem including a haunted cellar and 1/3 acre beer garden to relax in on a sunny summer’s afternoon.
The food at The New Inn is a meat lovers’ paradise with the pub’s Josper charcoal oven cooking up prime Trenchmore Farm wagyu beef burgers and plenty of fish for pescatarians all day long.
Address: 76 High St, Hurstpierpoint, Hassocks, BN6 9RQ
The Cricketers, Worthing
Newly refurbished, but still retaining all its old-age charm and aesthetic, The Cricketers in Worthing is a country pub with style, charisma, and history.
This charming country pub is a favourite among Worthing locals, while the town itself is slowly forging a reputation for itself as an essential place to visit when in the Brighton and Hove area.
The pub stocks all the country pub essentials with a manifold cask beers and ales on constant rotation on its taps, while the grounds of the building include a sun trap beer garden with ample room for young families to unwind and play in.
Address: 66 Broadwater St W, Worthing, BN14 9DE
The Sussex Ox, Polegate
Not many pubs can boast their own biodynamic farm on their grounds, but The Sussex Ox is redefining homegrown produce with their locally sourced ethos.
Given its name, it’s unsurprising that the beef served at the pub comes directly from the establishment’s own herd of cattle, while guests are encouraged to explore the farm when stopping by for a spot of lunch or dinner.
The pub is spacious yet welcoming and cosy, while the sought-after Garden Room offers panoramic views of the gorgeously scenic Sussex countryside outside.
Address: Milton St, Polegate, BN26 5RL
The Talbot, Cuckfield
Situated in the sleepy village of Cuckfield, near Haywards Heath, The Talbot is a much-beloved institution combining the uniqueness of Sussex country pub traditionalism with fine dining flair.
The atmosphere at The Talbot is famously relaxed and hospitable, while the menu will set tongues wagging with Head Chef, Guiseppe Filocamo constantly serving up exciting and flavourful dishes throughout the week.
The menu at The Talbot caters for all kinds of dietary requirements, so whether you’re plant-based or gluten-free, there is something for everyone at this special and picturesque country pub.
The pub is a lively destination and frequently hosts special events and family-friendly activities, but guests are advised to book in advance as the pub can get booked up quickly during the peak summer season.
Address: High St, Cuckfield, Haywards Heath, RH17 5JX
