Crab & Lobster, West Sussex

Overview

A stone's throw from picturesque Pagham Harbour, this seashore inn has resided here for an amazing 350 years - and it certainly looks the part of a historic seaside hideaway. With an exterior boasting a whitewashed facade and classic Sussex tiles, you'll feel like you've stepped back in time. Inside, delight in its gorgeous period charm with low ceilings, flagged floors, wooden beams and open fires. Despite its strong historic legacy, the Crab & Lobster embraces the 21st century - its stylish rooms and innovative menu exude a contemporary feel whilst still maintaining a sense of authenticity.

First-and-foremost a dining pub, the open kitchen delivers impressive plates of locally sourced food. Given the gorgeous setting overlooking the harbour, there's an excellent showing of fish and shellfish on the menu - so pull up a colourful chair in the restaurant and check out the ever-changing blackboard that conveys the latest catch. For those in search of a little alfresco dining, there's a terrace and pretty beer garden at the back of the pub with views of the Sussex countryside.

Rooms from

Doubles: £165

Good to know

Amex not accepted, Visa / Mastercard / Maestro all accepted
Parking available
Private and alfresco dining

Family friendly
Children are very welcome at the Crab & Lobster with half portions available for smaller appetites. The cottage is a great place for overnight guests with children and there's a local babysitter on call too.

Water and waves
With breathtaking coastal scenery along Pagham harbour, this is the perfect seaside escape for those looking for a little rest and relaxation by the coast.

Outdoor adventures
Inland, the rolling West-Sussex hills and the South Downs are on your doorstep - why not don your walking boots, take a picnic and enjoy the beautiful countryside?

Rooms

The classic bedrooms are decorated in neutral tones with splashes of colour and texture from fabrics and furnishings. Each rooms boasts individual touches - some have free-standing mirrors and jugs of fresh flowers, others quaint dressing tables, and all are peaceful and quiet. All the contemporary bathrooms are stocked with Noble Isle toiletries. There are fabulous views from the cottage windows to the marshes with grazing sheep and the sea beyond - and they even provide binoculars for those who fancy a spot of birdwatching!

Up in the eaves, Room Four has wonderful views over Pagham Harbour, as well as a striking bathroom with an original wooden floor and huge walk-in shower. Next door to the pub is the dinky Crab Cottage, a swish little self-catering option with two double bedrooms, a sitting room, fully kitted-out kitchen and a little terrace garden.

Restaurant & bar

Given the location on Pagham Harbour and the pub's proximity to Selsey, seafood is unsurprisingly the main thrust of the menu, which prioritises local, imaginative dishes. From mussel chowder and traditional fish and chips to pan-fried hake or sea bass fillet, there's plenty of sustainable, freshly-caught fish options on offer, depending on the catch of the day.

Meat lovers and veggies are well catered for too - come lunchtime, enjoy a light salad or an open sandwich after a bracing walk along the harbour. For something to drink, regional ales line the handpumps at the bar, but the main passion here is grape. The wine list has a whopping 25 options by the glass and some stellar bins sourced from top-drawer wine merchants such as Georges Barbier of London and Berkmann Wine Cellars. If you fancy trying something local, opt for the sparkling wine from the Tinwood Estate.

Private dining

Next to the main restaurant, the 'Snug' can be used for private dining for up to ten people.

Things to do

Theatre buffs shouldn't miss nearby Chichester Festival Theatre, one of Britain's most prestigious provincial theatres and an instantly recognisable landmark. Recently restored and attracting fabulous acting talent, it's the perfect place to see top quality productions before they head to the West End. Set in large grounds, theatre lovers can bring picnics in summer or visit the nearby bars and restaurants.

For those who fancy testing their sea legs, Chichester Harbour Water Tours offers daily boat trips - a brilliant way to discover one of Britain's wonderful natural harbours, learn about the local wildlife and enjoy some time on the waves! Back on land, West Sussex boasts marvellous beaches, with West Wittering beach being a real local highlight. South-west of Chichester, this stretch of coast is particularly popular with wind and kite surfers.

Getting here

Directions

Nearest train station: Chichester
Taxi from station: 14mins
Drive: 14min to Chichester, 23min to Bognor Regis, 31min to Portsmouth

Address
Mill Lane, Sidlesham, West Sussex PO20 7NB

Crab & Lobster