Sussex


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/1-18-1000x667.jpg" alt="best pub" class="wp-image-71554" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/1-18-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/1-18-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/1-18-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/1-18.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>All eyes are on the pubs who made it into the <a href="https://www.top50gastropubs.com/">Top 50 gastropubs</a> in the UK as Estrealla launched their definitive guide this week. However, not one Sussex venue made it onto the listing. Shock horror. Although one made an appearance in the overall top 100.</p>



<p>And that pub is <a href="https://georgeatburpham.co.uk/">The George</a>, at Burpham, near Arundel. Coming in at number 72, it’s a Grade II listed pub dating back to to the 18th century. Residing in Burpham it’s no stranger to winning awards, having already got a AA Rosette for it’s food. The pub has given its menu the admirable mission of having the majority of its produce from within a 20 mile radius. Needless to say, they work with local suppliers.</p>



<p>What’s more, the pub is community owned and leased and managed by husband and wife dup Martin and Charlotte Bull since 2023.<br><br>Think the Estrella list missed the mark? Us too, here are some of Muddy’s favourite haunts. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-black-horse-amberley">1. <a href="https://www.amberleyblackhorse.co.uk/">Black Horse</a>, Amberley</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/2-17-1000x667.jpg" alt="best pub" class="wp-image-71555" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/2-17-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/2-17-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/2-17-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/2-17.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>This Muddy Award winning pub is Grade II listed and loved by locals. The food is very much the focus, with a field to fork designed menu think hand-dived scallops and home-made fishcakes. It’s equally as good to pop in for a pint or a pinot. For the warmer months there’s a terrace and garden for alfresco dining in the heart of the South Downs. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-the-blackboys-inn-near-lewes"><strong>2. </strong><a href="https://www.theblackboys.co.uk/"><strong>The Blackboys Inn</strong></a><strong>, near Lewes</strong></h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/3-14-1000x667.jpg" alt="best pub" class="wp-image-71556" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/3-14-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/3-14-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/3-14-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/3-14.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>This 14th century inn is surrounded by woodland walks, footpaths and bridleways. The foodie and ale offerings are way above par. The menu serves up wholesome food with a refined edge. It’s got oodles of country pub character, from fireplaces to a duck pond and orchard outside. You can make a night of it too and stay over at one of the rooms.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-the-cat-inn-west-hoathly"><strong>3. <a href="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/cat-inn-west-hoathly/">The Cat Inn</a>, West Hoathly</strong></h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/4-8-1000x667.jpg" alt="best pub" class="wp-image-71557" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/4-8-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/4-8-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/4-8-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/4-8.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>We know how to pick ‘em at Muddy &#8211; this is a former award winner too. It’s also a lovely stop-off from nearby Ardingly or Balcombe, or a destination in itself with exceptional quality hospitality and food. The 16th&nbsp;century Sussex free house&nbsp;that sits perfectly between country chic and relaxed homespun charm. The pub ticks all the boxes whether you’re meeting girlfriends or having a family meal.&nbsp;A winner if you are treating the older – make that&nbsp;-wiser generation.</p>



<p><a href="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/review-the-cat-inn-west-hoathly/">Read Muddy’s review of The Cat Inn, West Hoathly</a></p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-the-welldiggers-arms-petworth"><strong>4. <a href="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/the-welldiggers-arms-petworth/">The Welldiggers Arms</a>, Petworth</strong></h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/5-5-1000x667.jpg" alt="best pub" class="wp-image-71558" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/5-5-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/5-5-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/5-5-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/5-5.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>With 300 years experience, this traditional inn turned gastropub with rooms overlooking the South Downs, knows exactly what it’s doing. It’s got a good looking facade of light brick and a slate roof, with a modern dining area and cosy traditional bar. The menu changes frequently and is dictated by the local produce available but you can expect to see British pub grub with gastro flare. All to the backdrop of sweeping views of the South Downs. </p>



<p><a href="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/pubs-inns/review-the-welldiggers-arms-petworth/">Read Muddy’s review of The Welldigger’s Arms, Petworth</a></p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-the-bell-ticehurst">5. <a href="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/the-bell-ticehurst-east-sussex/">The Bell, Ticehurst</a></h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/6-4-1000x667.jpg" alt="best pub" class="wp-image-71559" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/6-4-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/6-4-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/6-4-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/6-4.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>This pub is so good it won the national Muddy Award 2023! The Bell is a former coaching inn dating back to 1560. It’s eccentric and eclectic with food a priority (as It should be!) There’s something to suit all tastes, if you so wish, there are burgers, lighter bites and pub classics on offer. But you can be more fancy you can head across to the fine dining restaurant, The Stables by Head Chef, Mark Charker with a five-course tasting menu. </p>



<p><a href="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/pubs-inns/review-the-bell-ticehurst/">Read Muddy’s review of The Bell, Ticehurst</a></p>



<p><strong>READ MORE: </strong><br><a href="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/pubs-inns/best-pubs-with-rooms-east-sussex/">Best pubs with rooms in East Sussex</a><br><a href="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/pubs-inns/local-pubs-where-celebrities-drink/">The local pubs where celebrities drink</a><br><a href="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/cosiest-sussex-pubs-for-lunch/">Best pubs for a cosy meal in Sussex</a></p>



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Pump it up! Is this really the best pub in Sussex?

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