Exceptional food and drink hotspots in West Sussex

Travelling soon?  Please check opening dates and arrangements with individual businesses before you visit.

1. Richmond Arms, West Ashling – enjoy a pint and thin, crispy wood fired pizza served out of a vintage van at this fabulous pub near Kingley Vale. A very modern take on the British pub, the country kitchen also serves excellently prepared locally-sourced meats, seafood and vegetables. Delicious.
2. The Fig Tree, Hurstpierpoint – owned by husband and wife team, James and Jodie Dearden, this restaurant is making waves amongst the locals. James is a highly skilled and keenly regarded chef – he previously worked at Michelin-starred Ockenden Manor in Cuckfield and was also head chef at the Ginger Fox just down the road – so expect excellent food.
3. East Beach Café, Littlehampton – the architect-designed East Beach Café was designed to look like a huge piece of driftwood washed up on the beach and has made quite a name for itself since opening on 2005. The West Beach Café arrived hot on its heels and both places are worthy of a lunch stop-off.
4. Firebird Brewery, Rudgwick – a fantastic local brewer that’s worth a look. You can taste and buy a huge selection of beers at its on-site shop, as well as book in for a brewery tour to find out more about this interesting independent West Sussex business.
5. Cowdray Farm Shop, Midhurst – selling and serving local West Sussex produce from the Cowdray Estate, the Farm Shop is a great place to get the taste buds going. The Café is also a pleasant place to stop for a cup of tea and slice of cake.
6. The Brewhouse Project, Arundel – This independent, family run bar and cafe is the taproom for Arundel Brewery, one of the highest rated breweries on the South Coast. Serving a selection of Arundel Brewery beers alongside a constantly changing selection of guest beers from some of the country’s top breweries, along with a variety of street food pop ups, DJ nights and live music!
7. Bolney Wine Estate, Bolney – West Sussex is fast becoming a leader in producing world class wines, with Sussex sparkling wine recently granted protected regional status. It’s worth a trip to the region to experience the fizz alone: a tour around the award-winning Bolney Estate is a great place to start.
8. Rewilding Us – there’s nothing like foraging for your own lunch to make you appreciate the importance of eating seasonal, local, just-picked produce. Escape into the countryside and explore the diverse and rich habitats in and around West Sussex. They will educate you in the art of seasonal foraging and give you guidance on what to pick and when.
9. The Crabshack, Worthing – this simple beachside restaurant serves delicious fresh, local fish and seafood right on the promenade in Worthing. Expect fine food, great furnishings and a warm welcome from this up and coming local business.
10. Artisan Bakehouse, Ashurst – ever wanted to try your hand at baking your own artisan bread? Now you can at this small, local business owned by a husband and wife team. Classes are held in the Bakehouse with its traditional wood burning oven, and you’ll be taught how to make a huge range of fresh bread and learn new skills you never knew you had.