The Best Pubs
in
Polegate

Tucked away in a picturesque South Downs village, The Eight Bells is an award-winning gem that’s been at the heart of the community for centuries. This independently owned free house serves up exceptional local ales, fine wines, and creative cocktails, alongside a menu bursting with fresh, locally sourced dishes—from hearty Sunday roasts to a five-course tasting menu. With its welcoming bar, landscaped gardens boasting stunning views, and live music on offer, it’s the perfect spot for groups, dog walks, or a cosy dinner by the fire.

The Wheatsheaf Inn is a true gem: a warm, rustic village pub where the food is absolutely phenomenal, from the legendary steak and ale pie to the perfect Sunday roast. The friendly team delivers spot on service, and with a fantastic selection of beers, wines, and cocktails, plus live music and a lovely outdoor space, it’s an unbeatable spot for groups, dogs, and anyone who loves great food. Honestly, the quality and value are so brilliant you’ll be planning your return before you’ve even finished your meal.

Nestled in the historic village of Wilmington on the South Downs Way, the Long Man Inn is a welcoming Edwardian pub that has earned a prestigious award for best new pub in Sussex. It’s a fantastic spot for a pint of their excellent local ale, a glass of wine, or a creative cocktail, and the food is absolutely superb—from hearty roasts to incredible seasonal dishes. With a large outdoor patio, a dog friendly policy, and plenty of room for groups, it’s the perfect place to relax after a walk along the South Downs. You’ll find genuinely warm service, generous portions, and great value that makes every visit memorable.

The British Queen is a proper, wallet friendly local where the beer flows cheap, the pool table is free on Sundays, and the welcome is as warm as a crackling fire. It’s a wonderfully unpretentious spot perfect for a group, a dog friendly pint, or catching live music and sports with a genuinely friendly crowd. Head down for a Thursday quiz or a Sunday roast, and you’ll quickly see why this independent gem is so beloved.

King's Head Cacklebury is a brilliant community pub where the welcome is as warm as the roaring fire and the roast dinners are absolutely legendary. With a huge backyard perfect for group gatherings, a fantastic variety of drinks, and live music to keep things lively, it’s an ideal spot for families, friends, and four legged companions alike. The generous portions, attentive service, and genuinely friendly regulars make every visit feel like a celebration, whether you’re popping in for a pint or settling in for a feast.

Step into a proper time capsule where the original retro charm is absolutely genuine, making every corner a delightful trip back to a bygone era. This friendly local serves up perfectly kept beer and good wine in a relaxed, old fashioned setting that welcomes dogs and groups with open arms. The kind hearted team provides attentive, professional service, and the pub lunches here are simply the best around. Whether you’re settling into the cozy saloon bar or enjoying the outdoor seating, you’ll find a wonderfully warm community spot that’s worth every visit.

The Old Oak Inn is a multi award winning free house that has been serving up life’s finest pleasures for nearly three centuries. Set against stunning views of the Cuckmere Valley, this historic gem offers a cosy oak beamed bar with roaring Inglenook fireplaces, a sun drenched garden and sundeck, and an innovative menu crafted by a Michelin trained chef using the best local produce. With a superb range of Sussex cask ales, a diverse wine list, cocktails, and a famously dog friendly welcome complete with its own canine menu, it’s an absolute treasure for groups, live music lovers, and anyone seeking a truly memorable meal.

The Red Lion in Willingdon is a wonderfully welcoming pub where perfectly kept Badger ales, fine wines, and creative cocktails flow freely. The food is truly exceptional, from hearty game pies with a choice of mashes and gravies to superb Sunday roasts, all served by a friendly team who go above and beyond. With its sunny beer garden, cosy log burner, and a menu that caters brilliantly to groups, dogs, and gluten free diners, it’s an absolute gem for a relaxed meal or a celebratory gathering.

The Yew Tree Inn is a beloved family favourite that has been delighting guests for over 30 years, serving beautifully prepared meals that arrive piping hot. This dog friendly gem offers a fantastic beer garden, a children’s play area, and a superb selection of beers, wines, and cocktails, making it perfect for groups of all kinds. Whether you’re tucking into a delicious roast dinner or a Sussex Smokey, the friendly service and welcoming conservatory with garden views create a truly memorable pub experience.

The Seven Sisters is a cracking local that nails the balance between big screen sport and genuine community warmth. You can settle in with a crisp pint, a glass of wine, or a cocktail while catching the game on TNT and Sky Sports, and the outdoor seating makes it a perfect spot for dog walks and group get togethers. With live music, a pool table, and a friendly crowd that makes every visit feel like a proper night out, this is exactly the kind of welcoming pub you want to call your local.