Sundays are, arguably, the best day of the week. A slow morning with the papers and a coffee, a ramble through the Sussex countryside or one of its gorgeous gardens followed by the best meal on the planet: the Sunday roast. When it comes to how best to enjoy the nation's favourite dish, we vote: in a pub. All the joy with none of the washing up - what’s not to love?
To save you another job, we’ve scoured Sussex for the best spots for a roast. Think crackling open fires, flowing local drinks, and all the seasonal, homecooked trimmings you could want.
So whether you want to enjoy your Sunday lunch after a walk along the Sussex shoreline or stomp around a castle, or perhaps you’d rather head home to your cosy holiday cottage for a Sunday afternoon film in front of the log burner, here are the best spots in Sussex for tucking into an unforgettable roast dinner…
The Mermaid Inn
Mermaid Street, Rye TN31 7EY
If you find yourself in the historic town of Rye, do yourself a favour and book in for Sunday lunch at The Mermaid Inn. One of the South East’s oldest inns, this 15th-century establishment is home to smugglers' tunnels, hidden passageways, and secret priest holes. Once the local haunt of the notorious Hawkhurst gang of smugglers, today it’s a popular spot with history lovers and foodies alike.
Before you dine, grab a drink in The Giant’s Fireplace Bar, reportedly home to one of the largest open log fireplaces in the country featuring a huge beam that spans the width of the room and is supported by stone piers.
When it comes to a Sunday roast, you can choose between one and three courses, with children’s portions available. We’d start with scorched Rye mackerel with Cornish crab and grapefruit, tuck into slow roast St Margarets Bay pork belly (with apple sauce and all the trimmings) before finishing off with a chocolate orange torte with pecan granola and rosemary ice cream.
After all that you’ll be well fuelled to peruse the unique town of Rye. Within the medieval citadel, you’ll find insta-worthy cobbled streets lined with independent shops and cafés, not to mention the fantastic Heritage centre.
The Black Rabbit
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Mill Road, Arundel BN18 9PB
Perched on the banks of the Arun in West Sussex, The Black Rabbit enjoys enviable views across the wetlands to one of the county’s most beloved landmarks: Arundel Castle.
Inside this dog-friendly pub, you’ll find a menu bursting with seasonal, local produce. But Sunday lunch is always a winner. Start with a whole baked camembert to share, or try the venison and beef terrine if the idea of sharing food makes you shudder.
Sunday roast mains include aged roast beef (served perfectly pink), half a roast chicken, and a cranberry and vegetable loaf for vegetarians. Children’s roasts are available and you can order extra trimmings - anyone for cauliflower cheese? - til your heart's content.
Afterwards, it’s just over a mile into the town of Arundel, and it’s well worth the journey to see the town dotted with impressive original features such as the Norman keep, medieval gatehouse, and barbican.
If the weather’s warm, the picturesque riverside setting is also the perfect place to take to the water with a spot of kayaking. Alternatively, head to Arundel Castle and learn about the War of the Roses and have a go at jousting as you immerse yourself in a millennium of history.
The White Dog Inn
Village Street, Ewhurst Green, Robertsbridge TN32 5TD
If you’re looking for a proper village pub, look no further than The White Dog Inn where it ticks all the boxes, from the charming red brick exterior complete with beer garden to the log fires and castle views. Run by father and daughter duo, Dale Skinner and Harriet Bull, this pub is a true family effort.
Keen for a roast? There are two Sunday sittings, choose from an arrival time of 12pm-12.30pm or 2.30pm-3pm. The menu moves with what's available, but you could start with the home-smoked, local caught trout pate, with horseradish butter and rustic toast, before tucking into a roasted shoulder of saddleback pork, served with gravy, Yorkshire pudding, roasted potatoes and seasonal vegetables. There are also vegetarian and fish options available, then finish up with a homemade pud. We'd go for the ‘The White Dog’ treacle tart served with crème anglaise. And if you enjoy your visit to this area, check out our guide for more great pubs in East Sussex.
Once you’ve had your fill, there is plenty to do in the local area. Most notably is Bodiam Castle, which you can actually see from the beer garden. Visit this 14th-century moated castle and explore one of the country's most picturesque and romantic ancient monuments.
Tinwood Estate
Tinwood Lane, Chichester PO18 0NE
Home to around 50 wineries, more than any other county in the country, a vineyard visit is a must while in Sussex. And what better way to enjoy a glass of fine English wine, than paired with the mightiest of English meals? The Sunday roast, of course.
Head to the Tinwood Estate in Chichester where the roasts run every Sunday until the end of April. Book a table and tuck into a sharing board with a selection of meats including beef, pork, and chicken, with trimmings including Yorkshire puddings and the famous Tinwood roasties.
If you’re the kind of person who always has room for pudding (hear, hear!), you’ll be in your element here, with classics such as banana split, crumble, and lemon meringue tart to choose from. And of course, throughout you can sip on a glass of English wine from the estate.
Afterwards, why not take a walk up to the Halnaker Windmill, a classic Sussex landmark, and enjoy a scenic wander through the iconic tree tunnel as you go.
The Shepherd and Dog
The Street, Fulking, Henfield BN5 9LU
We love the name of The Shepherd and Dog, an award-winning pub in Fulking. The name is derived from the annual sheep washing that took place in the stream outside, as described by Nathaniel Paine Blaker in his memoir of a childhood in Fulking in the middle of the 19th century. The story goes that after spending all day in the bitterly cold water washing sheep, the shepherds would gather inside to warm up and refuel. Smart idea!
Today the pub is just as good for cosying up, with its toasty fireplace and idyllic country surroundings. Best enjoyed on a Sunday, you can tuck into a 12-hour slow roast belly of pork or 32-day dry-aged beef, all served with roast potatoes, swede mash, braised red cabbage, roasted carrots, seasonal greens, Yorkshire pudding and Sunday gravy.
Afterwards, enjoy a circular stroll around Devil's Dyke and the South Downs. A rare chalk grassland, this ancient landscape is teeming with wildlife and delivers big-time on jaw-dropping views.
The Stonemasons Inn
North Street, Petworth GU28 9NL
A stone’s throw out of the charming historic town of Petworth, you’ll find The Stonemasons Inn. It’s a gorgeous spot for a Sunday roast, with its atmospheric medieval oak beams and cosy fireplaces.
When it comes to the Sunday lunch, we’d be going for the mustard-glazed beef rib with stock pot gravy. Though the cheese and onion pie sounds quite tempting too! There’s a selection of classic puds on offer too if you’ve room - how about jam sponge and custard or a decadent sticky toffee pudding?
Afterwards, take a wander around the collection of antique shops in Petworth or head to the Petworth House and Park, a 17th-century beauty, home to one of the finest art collections in the care of the National Trust. Sat in a 700-acre deer park, it’s also a great spot for a post-roast stroll.
The Fox & Hounds
Funtington Hall, 3 B2146, Funtington, Chichester PO18 9LL
With its rustic floorboards, squishy leather sofas, and crackling fire, The Fox and Hounds makes for a wonderful Sunday lunch spot in West Sussex. Offering a carvery, it’s a great option for those who like to pick and choose their sides, plus it also caters to vegetarians.
If you’d like to tuck into a delicious roast at your holiday cottage, but making one (and washing up) sounds too much like hard work for a holiday, then you can order a takeaway roast here. The Call ‘n Collect carvery runs every Sunday, 12pm-4pm. Opt for your choice of meat or a nut roast, giant Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes and all the vegetables plus a portion of gravy.
If you dine in, take a wander through the village of Funtington with its 11th-century church and countryside good looks. It’s just over a mile and half to Kingley Vale, a reserve home to peaceful trails, ancient yew trees and Bronze Age burial mounds. Check out more woodland walks in Sussex for more dappled adventures.
The Swan Inn
30A Southover High Street, Lewes BN7 1HU
On the edge of the vibrant town of Lewes, you'll find The Swan Inn, a quirky pub with traditional low ceilings and wonky walls. Come winter, they keep the fires roaring, meanwhile the vinyl-only music policy and jovial atmosphere keep the merriment going year-round.
The pub is proud of its inclusive community-focused commitment, and on any given day you might mingle with office workers, hikers, families, students, tourists and staunch regulars.
Food is always a treat at The Swan, but head in on a Sunday when you'll have your pick of four roasts (all free range and locally sourced from Holmansbridge farm) along with vegan options. Each comes with lashings of gravy, a giant Yorkshire pudding, herby roast potatoes, honey-roasted carrots and parsnips, buttered greens and cheesy cauliflower and leek. Our pick? The roasted leg of salt marsh lamb.
Afterwards, there is plenty to do in this photogenic country town. If you're visiting in early November, you might be fortunate enough to catch the world-famous Lewes Bonfire Night. Alternatively, explore almost 1,000 years of history at Lewes Castle or go shopping down the cobbled streets lined with independent antique shops, boutiques and bookshops.
The Sussex Ox
Milton Street, Polegate BN26 5RL
The Sussex Ox in Polegate features open fires and a cosy beamed snug, ideal for settling in for something hearty and delicious on a winter's day. If the sun's out, head to the airy Garden Room, which enjoys vistas out across Cuckmere Valley.
And when it comes to ordering, you’re in for a treat. With beef from their own cattle and lamb from their own flock, the food here is truly local. You could also opt for free-range pork or chicken, or a red lentil and chickpea loaf. Each comes with roast potatoes, greens, cauliflower cheese, carrots, Yorkshire pudding and gravy.
Afterwards, enjoy exploring this pretty corner of East Sussex. The charming market town enjoys sweeping views over the South Downs National Park. You’ll also enjoy easy access to a stomp around Abbot’s Wood or why not cycle along the Cuckoo Trail?
Keen for a Sussex Sunday roast with all the trimmings? Take a look at our collection of cosy holiday cottages in Sussex and start planning your next getaway now.
