Sussex


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/HorseGuardsExt.jpg" alt="The Horse Guards Arms, near Petworth, Sussex" class="wp-image-83023" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/HorseGuardsExt.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/HorseGuardsExt-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/HorseGuardsExt-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/HorseGuardsExt-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/HorseGuardsExt-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Horse Guards Inn</figcaption></figure>



<p>All eyes are on the pubs that made it into Estrella Damm&#8217;s annual ranking of the Top 50 Gastropubs in the UK. Drawing on hundreds of votes from the likes of food critics, chefs and other experts, the 2026 list crowns already much-laureled newcomer The Devonshire in Soho its ultimate winner. </p>



<p>Overall, London dominates although our neighbour, Kent, also did well. And Sussex? Snubbed yet again, with just one local dining destination making it onto the extended list: <a href="http://www.thehorseguardsinn.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Horse Guards Inn</a>, landing a spot at number 80. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/HorseGuardsArms.jpg" alt="The Horse Guards Arms, near Petworth, Sussex" class="wp-image-83021" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/HorseGuardsArms.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/HorseGuardsArms-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/HorseGuardsArms-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/HorseGuardsArms-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Al fresco tables are just as chic when the weather&#8217;s right</figcaption></figure>



<p>If you don&#8217;t yet know it, you&#8217;re in for a treat. It sits in the village of Tillington, wooing locals and visitors to nearby Petworth with pretty, lightly rustic interiors, log fires and first-rate local produce. So local, in fact, that the veg and herbs have frequently travelled only as far as the garden. Menu-wise we&#8217;re talking really good meat, hearty vegetarian tagines, and flavourful fish. The bar is well-stocked and you&#8217;ll find homemade sloe gin as well as tipples from nearby. </p>



<p>But what about the county&#8217;s other great gastro haunts, we hear you cry! Here are five Muddy favourites that we reckon deserved a mention, plus a newcomer to keep your eye on. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-black-horse-climping"><a href="https://www.hshotels.co.uk/theblackhorseclimping" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Black Horse</a>, Climping</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/01/BlackHorseClimping.jpg" alt="The Black Horse Pub, Climping, Sussex" class="wp-image-83025" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/01/BlackHorseClimping.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/01/BlackHorseClimping-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/01/BlackHorseClimping-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/01/BlackHorseClimping-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/01/BlackHorseClimping-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>This Muddy Award-winning inn isn&#8217;t above calling its food pub grub but that&#8217;s probably because they know how downright delicious it is. The building itself dates back to 16th century, and its authentic interior is matched by a modestly-sized menu full of tempting classics that don&#8217;t disappoint, from the homemade steak and ale pie and a Climping beach fish pie to sticky toffee pudding. Unfussy but not unstylish, it hits the spot every time.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-plough-near-rye"><a href="https://www.theploughrye.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Plough</a>, near Rye</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/ThePlough.jpg" alt="The Plough near Rye, Sussex" class="wp-image-83031" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/ThePlough.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/ThePlough-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/ThePlough-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/ThePlough-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/ThePlough-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>This cosy country pub has made many a &#8216;best of&#8217; list already, and it&#8217;s easy to see why. Inside, wooden floors and log fires enhance a warm welcome on a wintry afternoon, and in warmer weather, a pleasant beer garden frames views over the Brede Valley. Inventive star dishes like leek scotch egg bhaji or or Kingcott blue cheese rarebit with beetroot relish appear on a daily changing menu, and the pies here are things of beauty. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-cat-inn-west-hoathly"><a href="https://www.catinn.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Cat Inn</a>, West Hoathly</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/01/CatInn.jpg" alt="The Cat Inn, West Hoathly, Sussex" class="wp-image-83027" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/01/CatInn.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/01/CatInn-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/01/CatInn-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/01/CatInn-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Ambiance-wise The Cat Inn occupies that sweet spot between country chic and relaxed, homespun charm. Oak beams, pewter tankards, inglenooks? Look no further. The menu pairs local produce with gastro flair. Pan fried cod loin with cannellini beans, mussels, leeks and samphire went down well <a href="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/review-the-cat-inn-west-hoathly/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">last time we visited</a> (ditto the chocolate pavé with butterscotch sauce and – oh yes – popcorn ice cream) and a glance at today&#8217;s menu has us craving the venison pâté en croute with apricot compote and salad. It&#8217;s a great one for a family celebration. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-george-burpham"><a href="https://www.georgeatburpham.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The George</a>, Burpham</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/01/Burpham.jpg" alt="The George, Burpham, Sussex" class="wp-image-83029" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/01/Burpham.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/01/Burpham-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/01/Burpham-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/01/Burpham-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/01/Burpham-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The George</figcaption></figure>



<p>This Grade II-listed local made last year&#8217;s extended Estrella list and already has multiple AA rosettes to its name. While it&#8217;s run by a married couple, it&#8217;s community-owned, an ethos reflected in its sourcing of most of its produce from within a 20-mile radius, support for local causes and hosting of lively events. You can feel it the moment you step inside. And its menu? It&#8217;s satisfying but refined – a venison chop might be served with date molasses, say, or roast cod will come accompanied by fennel and lobster bisque. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-bell-ticehurst"><a href="https://www.thebellinticehurst.com/eat-drink/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Bell</a>, Ticehurst</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 actually won the <em>national</em> Muddy Award a few years back and it&#8217;s not the only trophy in its cabinet. It continues to impress. A former coaching inn dating back to 1560, it’s eccentric and eclectic, and food&#8217;s a priority. There’s something to suit all appetites from burgers and lighter bites and pub staples. Save room for pud, especially if mini chocolate hazelnut donuts with ice cream are on the menu. </p>



<p>Room for more? Here&#8217;s one to watch&#8230; </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-trevor-arms-glynde"><a href="https://www.thetrevor.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Trevor Arms</a>, Glynde </h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/01/TrevorArms.jpg" alt="The Trevor Arms" class="wp-image-83034" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/01/TrevorArms.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/01/TrevorArms-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/01/TrevorArms-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/01/TrevorArms-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Trevor Arms</figcaption></figure>



<p>Newly reopened last year following an eight-year-long closure, this friendly local is in an enviable South Downs spot, surrounded by great walks. It&#8217;s airy yet warm inside, with plenty of nooks as well as a long bar (check out the Burning Sky brews on tap – they&#8217;re made just round the corner in Firle). An ever-changing menu is based around really good ingredients and harks back to traditional hits like ploughman&#8217;s (with Flint Owl bread, baked here in the village), lamb hotpot (just what you need after a chilly hike), or treacle tart (served with burnt butter custard). </p>



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<p><strong><em>In the mood for more? </em></strong></p>



<p><a href="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/banish-the-blahs-with-the-very-best-arts-and-culture-across-sussex/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Banish the blahs with must-see arts and culture across Sussex</a> </p>



<p><a href="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/winter-walks-sussex/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brilliant winter walks in Sussex</a></p>



<p><a href="Lunch at Orla, Lindfield" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Review: Lunch at Orla, Lindfield</a> </p>



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Top gastropubs 2026 revealed – but how did Sussex do?

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