Historic Sussex Foodie Trips and Top Pub Towns

Living in Brighton means we are spoiled for choice with the local food scene, but sometimes it is worth heading just outside the city to see what else Sussex is cooking up. If you are looking for a reason to head west, The Town House is opening its doors in Arundel on 13 May 2026. Located in a restored Georgian property at 65 High Street, right near the castle, this new spot is led by chef patron Matthew Price and his wife Jennifer. They are focusing on a seven-course tasting menu that uses hyper-seasonal and foraged ingredients. You might see dishes like the 'Sussex Dayboat Mosaic' with seaweed-marinated fish and buttermilk sorbet, or 'Creedy Carver Duck' glazed with smoked hay honey. The building itself has some history too, featuring a 16th-century Florentine ceiling and four guest rooms that look out over Arundel Castle. If you time your visit for late May, the castle is hosting its Medieval Festival from the 23rd to the 25th, right after the April Tulip Festival wraps up.

For those who prefer a more relaxed pub atmosphere, Hastings was recently named one of England’s top ten pub towns. It is a solid choice for a day trip if you want to explore the Old Town’s local favorites. The Jenny Lind on the High Street is a free house known for having eight hand-pulls and regular live music, while The First In Last Out (FILO) has been brewing its own beers since 1988. Back closer to home, the 2026 BRAVO awards recently highlighted some of the best spots in the wider Sussex area. The Eight Bells in Jevington and The Jolly Sportsman in East Chiltington have both picked up awards for their quality. If you find yourself near the South Downs, The Shepherd and Dog in Fulking or The Ram Inn in Firle are reliable stops for hikers, while The Sussex Ox in Polegate runs its own biodynamic farm to supply its kitchen.

There are plenty of other historic spots scattered around the county that are worth a look depending on what you are after. The New Inn in Hurstpierpoint is a Grade II listed building dating back to 1450, and The Fountain Inn in Ashurst has a bit of pop culture history as the place where Paul McCartney recorded 'Wonderful Christmas Time'. For a riverside setting, The Anchor Inn in Barcombe sits right on the Ouse, while The Three Moles in Selham offers a three-tiered beer garden if the weather stays clear. Whether you are heading to Arundel for a full tasting menu or just grabbing a pint in Hastings, these spots offer a good change of pace from the usual Brighton circuit while keeping the focus on local Sussex produce and history.