South East Sussex

Campaign for Real Ale

Campaign for Real Ale

Cider Pubs Guide

  • Alfriston
    • Olde Smugglers Inn Waterloo Square Alfriston BN26 5UE Telephone(01323) 870241

      Nestled in the South Downs this historic, friendly, cosy village pub was built in 1358 and still holds its character today with its impressive, dominating inglenook fireplace, oak beams and brick floor in the main bar area. It is Grade II listed, a series of small rooms at various levels lead through to a conservatory, a large sun trap patio and tranquil walled garden with picnic tables. Good quality pub food is offered, often locally sourced, accommodation is also available. Several Sussex traditional themed nights are held throughout the year, Toad in the Hole is played, an old Sussex game. In its day it is said to have had six staircases, twenty one rooms, forty eight doors and numerous corridors and hiding places and was known to have been the meeting place for smuggling gangs. It is unusual in that it bears two names, the Market Cross, which can be seen on the swing sign, as well as Ye Olde Smugglers Inn. The pub was a finalist in the local CAMRA Branch Pub of the Year competition in 2019 and was awarded Country Pub of the Year; the presentation picture shows the award.

  • Battle
    • Battle Tap 52 & 52A High Street Battle TN33 0EN Telephone(01424) 772838

      Situated in the heart of Battle's shopping area, this pub was converted from an off licence with the acquisition of the next door premises. Three cask ales from Battle Brewery are served, there is some seating in the bar area which has the feel of a micropub, a gap in the wall leads to another room, also fronting onto the High Street, with a more spacious set up with chairs around low tables. Off sales are available, cask ales from Battle Brewery are sold for tastings and filling containers, as well as Cask Beer in a Box, 5 litre and 10 litre sizes being available.

    • Harley's Tavern 35a High Street Battle TN33 0EA Telephone07300 488123

      Small bar on the High Street that stocks at least three ciders from local cider makers Battle Cider.

  • Bexhill on Sea
    • Albatross Club (RAFA) 15 Marina Arcade Bexhill on Sea TN40 1JS Telephone(01424) 212916

      A most welcoming and friendly RAFA club, it consistently wins CAMRA local and regional awards, being the local CAMRA branch club of the year for over ten consecutive years. This culminated in 2016 in winning the National Club of the Year competition and being a finalist in 2017 and 2018. It always serves at least one local ale, often from such as Three Legs, Gun or Rother Valley. This is complemented by nationally sourced ales. There is always at least one dark beer; altogether there are five handpumps. The comprehensive range of upcoming beers is listed on a blackboard behind the bar. The club holds regular beer festivals in June and September in its large function room and many social events such as jazz nights, quizzes, folk evenings and meat raffles, notably on Fridays. It is very popular among its members and CAMRA members are always welcome to be signed in with a minimum £1 donation to RAF charities. The club boasts an interesting collection of RAF memorabilia. The pictures of presentations show members with Club Head Steward Karen outside with the national trophy for 2016 and presentations of further local awards for the years 2016 to 2019.

    • Brickmaker's Alehouse 27 Sea Road Bexhill on Sea TN40 1EE Telephone(01424) 602778

      Bexhill's first micropub opened in November 2019, owned and run by two local CAMRA members, is conveniently close to the town centre, seafront, bus routes and Bexhill station. Owned and run by two cask ale and cider enthusiasts, drinkers can always expect no fewer than five real ales and four real ciders, served from a chilled cabinet adjacent to the bar with other drinks available. Draught take-outs are available, and a good selection of canned beers and ciders. It is furnished with both high chairs and low chairs at tables, with a couple of tables outside on the pavement at the front. In 2021 this former shop and showroom of a local brick manufacturer won the CAMRA “Conversion to Pub Use” national award, and in both 2022 and 2023 was local CAMRA Branch Pub of the Year, as well as being Cider Pub of the Year runner up.

    • Sidley Working Men's Club 34A Hollier's Hill Bexhill on Sea TN40 2DD Telephone(01424) 217076

      Friendly members club serving real ale with a large open plan bar with tables and bench seating. CAMRA members welcome o payment of £1 entry fee. Occasional beer festivals are held in support of local charities. All beers and cider are at Club prices.

  • Eastbourne
    • Beerarama 7B Bolton Road Eastbourne BN21 3JU Telephone07702 757916

      An inclusive welcoming craft beer bar which opened in the centre of town in 2022. Beer and cider are available both to take out or to consume in the stylish premises over two floors. Of the six beer lines at least two serve real ale from Keykegs. Draft beers, bottles and cans are sourced from across the United Kingdom and include local offerings such as Abyss, Beak and Burning Sky. Real cider is served, usually locally made Ascension. There is occasional live music, vinyl DJs, and a monthly quiz.

    • Ninkaci Unit 9 The Enterprise Centre Eastbourne BN21 1BD Telephone(01323) 573528

      A craft beer store and tap room recognised for local ale run by the proprietors of the Crown in the Old Town. It is located inside Eastbourne Enterprise Centre adjacent to the railway station, convenient for train and bus services. The centre, previously a goods depot for the former L.B.S.C. Railway company now hosts independent shops and fooderies. Evening access when centre is closed is via a rear door. Real ale is dispensed from KeyKegs. There is a monthly jazz and soul club and a resident Saturday DJ. The local CAMRA branch has awarded it 'Top Scorer in the National Beer Scoring Scheme' for 2020/2021 and for Bars in 2022 and 2023.

    • Stage Door 10 Compton Street Eastbourne BN21 4BW Telephone(01323) 415509

      Situated by the theatres and near the seafront, this pub has a large L-shaped bar with some partitioned seating. Old theatre posters decorate the walls and a raised rear area overlooks the Devonshire Park tennis courts. The pub was bought by Eastbourne Borough Council in 2017 as part of the redevelopment of the Devonshire Quarter site; it was refurbished in 2018.

  • Ewhurst Green
    • White Dog Inn Village Street Ewhurst Green TN32 5TD Telephone(01580) 830264

      A spacious, beamed free house with an emphasis on good quality food locally sourced whenever possible. Has large restaurant area but still retains the atmosphere of a traditional English rural pub with exposed beams with hops and horse brasses. Corners of the restaurant have painted murals of nearby Bodiam Castle and Great Dixter. Four ales are offered, the house beer is brewed by nearby Rother Valley, guests are usually from local breweries. Outside, overlooking Bodiam Castle and the Brede river valley, there is a wood fired pizza oven with a bar. Weddings and functions are catered for with glamping available to hire. A beer festival is held in September. The pub was votedlocal CAMRA Branch Country Pub of Year in 2022. The station at Bodiam is the terminus of a heritage line.

  • Hailsham
    • George Hotel 3 George Street Hailsham BN27 1AD Telephone(01323) 445120

      A town centre Wetherspoon's, comprising a spacious L-shaped bar with a small raised alcove, with an enclosed beer garden to the rear, and other outside seating areas. Situated opposite the Hailsham Pavilion, a classic Edwardian auditorium, The George has a range of very reasonably priced ales, with at least one LocAle. Occasional 'Tap takeovers' from a single brewery take place. Up to eight ciders/perry are stocked, served from a dedicated cool room for optimum temperature. However, four of those currently offered no longer meet CAMRAs latest definitions of real cider. (i.e. Black Dragon, Moonshine, Whisky Cask and Old Rosie). The pub has been local CAMRA Branch Cider Pub of the Year in 2017, 2018 and 2019. The presentation pictures show the three awards being made, featuring successive pub managers, the local branch chair, vice chair and cider co-ordinator.

  • Hastings
    • Albion 33 George Street Hastings TN34 3EA Telephone(01424) 439156

      Formerly the Royal Albion and first licensed for drinks in 1730 this spacious former hotel has been tastefully refurbished with many improvements including a stage for live music, beautifully designed bar tops, stylish furniture and with traditional hand-written signage. There is a smaller bar which can be shut off as a small function room and a separate larger bar. It has kept its traditional ambience as a Wiiliam Younger's house complete with clan tartan panels. It has six hand pumps and the food menu is continually changing, it has established a reputation for its award-winning pies and pasties. The food is also available from the Pasty Shack on the seafront side of the pub. Up to four changing real ciders from Sussex and Kent are served from boxes in the 'Marine Parade' bar.

    • Crown 64-66 All Saints Street Hastings TN34 3BN Telephone(01424) 465100

      The pub was been tastefully refurbished by local craftsmen in 2014 with subdued paintwork, wooden floor and hand-made tables and chairs creating a relaxed atmosphere. The four real ales are from Kent and Sussex breweries and the produce for the regularly changing menu is locally sourced. A real cider is available served from a box on the bar. It is a relatively small building and its popularity means that space is often at a premium at peak times, the pub can get very busy weekend evenings and during Old Town events. At the front is a small outdoor seating area. On Sundays the premises open at 11am, but alcohol is not served until midday. Although Ore station is nearer (1150m), it is a more difficult hilly walk and has a lesser service.

    • Jenny Lind 69 High Street Hastings TN34 3EW Telephone(01424) 421392

      Located in the heart of Hastings Old Town, ten handpumps with local and countrywide beers and ciders gives this pub one of the comprehensive real ale and cider selections in the area. Up to eight changing real ciders including those served from boxes behind the bar, though there is a 25p premium on half pints. There is loud live music at weekends and “Completely Scuppered” Shanty Men perform every Tuesday. The pub operates a loyalty scheme from October until the end of March. The front bar is long and roomy whilst a smaller back bar is warmer and more intimate with a real fire. There is also an upstairs function room hosting a range of events from blues to slot car racing. There is a terraced garden behind the pub which is delightful in warm weather. The pub has an annual dark beer festival and is a participant in the Hastings Tap Takeover held each October.

    • Jolly Fisherman 3 East Beach Street Hastings TN34 3AR Telephone(01424) 428811

      This pub has a fascinating history. The building known as the Jolly Fisherman dates back to 1769. It was first licensed in 1834 and served fishermen and locals until it closed its doors in 1959; reopening 57 years later as Hastings first micro pub. It has an attractively decorated frontage and once stood right on the quayside. Historic black and white photographs show the pub's long-standing links to the fishing community. A quirky mix of furniture helps create a friendly environment with a woodburning stove taking centre stage in the winter. Seven craft keg and two cask ales are regularly available as well as seven ciders. The pub participates in Hastings Tap Takeover and the Old Town Cider Festival.

      This pub has a fascinating history. The building known as the Jolly Fisherman dates back to 1769. It was first licensed in 1834 and served fishermen and locals until it closed it’s doors in 1959. Reopening 57 years later as Hastings first micropub. Typically two changing cask beers, together with up to six real ciders and perries, and keg beers, are supplemented by a large range of canned and bottled beers of UK and foreign origin. It was CAMRA Branch Cider Pub-of-the-Year in 2020. The rustic furniture is arranged to help create a friendly atmosphere.

    • Seadog 31-32 Station Road Hastings TN34 1NJ Telephone(01424) 445399

      Reopened in April 2022 after a refurbishment, one or two real ales are served, often from local breweries and craft breweries from futher afield. Real cider is also offered, served from bag-in-a-box on the bar. Being situated close to Hastings station, there is good footfall and the pub has quickly become a popular busy venue.

    • Twelve Hundred Postcards 80 Queens Road Hastings TN34 1RL Telephone07883 408909

      This micropub opened in November 2018, consisting of a bar in one room with real ales in a cool room at the rear; the large window enabling the customers to see their beers being poured. There are benches and high stools down each side of the room; in addition to the five cask beers offered there is one keg beer and at least one real cider is always available. The venue has had many past owners, a hundred years ago it was a sweet shop, the owner of which was secretly selling French postcards for which he was imprisoned; hence the pub's name.

  • Icklesham
    • Queen's Head Parsonage Lane Icklesham TN36 4BL Telephone(01424) 814552

      Built in 1632 as two dwellings, the Queen’s Head has been a pub since 1831. It has open fires and a beer garden with fantastic views over the Brede Valley. Three changing ales and two ciders supplement three regular beers. Excellent, good-value home-made food is served daily. There are live music on Sunday afternoons and regular quizzes on Wednesdays, (ring for dates). The above pictured presentation was made in September 2014 by the local CAMRA Branch to mark the pub appearing in the Good Beer Guide for thirty consecutive years under the current landlord and there will soon be news of another similar preentation.

    • Robin Hood Main Road Icklesham TN36 4BD Telephone(01424) 814277

      This 17th Century warm, friendly locals pub has a striking ceiling display of hops, coppers and brasses built up over twenty years. There is an open fire and a large dining area to the rear offering home cooked food. Usually, four real ales (including at least one local real ale) and up to twelve real ciders are served. The pub has a pool table. The large garden has a children’s play area. Camper vans can be accommodated by prior arrangement. The pub hosts pool and pétanque teams and is the home of the local Bonfire Society.

  • Milton Street
    • Sussex Ox Milton Street BN26 5RL Telephone(01323) 870840

      This traditionally decorated popular pub nestling above the Cuckmere Valley between the picturesque villages of Alfriston and Wilmington has stunning views over the South Downs from its large rear garden and is popular with walkers. The separate bar and spacious restaurant cater for all. Three ales are served, two LocAle plus a local real Cider on handpump, alongside an array of local keg beers and English lager. Grand Finalist for Sussex Food and Drink Awards 2016 and 2017, good quality contemporary styled food is served with many ingredients coming from the pub’s owners’ adjacent organic farm; the menu changes daily.

  • Peasmarsh
    • Horse & Cart Inn School Lane Peasmarsh TN31 6UW Telephone(01797) 230639

      A traditional country village inn with oak-beamed rooms, a single bar, a large restaurant area and a south-facing garden with plenty of seating at the rear. There is an extensive menu featuring home-cooked pub favourites, including pizza, using local and seasonal produce where possible.

  • Pett
    • Royal Oak Pett Road Pett TN35 4HG Telephone(01424) 812515

      The Royal Oak is a quintessential village inn, an attractive Grade II listed building believed to date back to the 18th Century. The freehouse reopened in 2021 under the new management of two local brothers. The pub serves four real ales and excellent food, both often locally sourced. The Oak is popular with locals and visitors alike. Events include quizzes and occasional live music. Warmed by two open fires, the pub has real character with friendly staff and is very welcoming. In addition to the bar area there is a separate dining area. There is an extensive garden area for outdoor eating and drinking. One picture shows landlord Robin with his collection of 150 different pump clips which have graced the pump handles at the Royal Oak during his first year. They are from more than 40 breweries demonstrating Robin and his team's passion for real ale. As well as these continuously changing ales, Harvey's Best is served.

  • Playden
    • Rye Waterworks Microbrewery & Taproom The Old Dairy, Rye Road Playden TN31 7UL Telephone(01797) 224110

      Opened late October 2022 as an addition to the Waterworks Brewery, the Taproom, (as is the brewery), is run by the same proprietor and team as the successful Waterworks micropub in Rye's town centre. The brewery's signature beer, UrRYEnal a 3.7% bitter, is always on handpump; in winter there are two local guest beers and up to four in summer. Locally produced sausage rolls are available.

  • Rye
    • Globe Inn Marsh 10 Military Road Rye TN31 7NX Telephone(01797) 225220

      A unique open plan bar serving two cask beers and a selection of five real ciders from Dudda's is the centre piece of this creatively designed and furnished, food oriented pub, built about 1834. A selection of gins is also available. Decorated with lobster pots and fishing nets, open fires have contributed to readers of a national newspaper once voting it third cosiest pub in Britain. There is a covered outdoor area. Good quality locally sourced meals are served including breakfasts from 8am and wood-fired oven pizzas.

    • Queen's Head 19 Landgate Rye TN31 7LH Telephone(01797) 226929

      Spacious 17th century freehouse situated near the Landgate in Rye this friendly traditional old English pub has many interesting comfortable seating areas. A sign inside says it was called the Two Brewers in 1706 and the Queen's Head since 1781 and has been plague free since 1988! Home cooked food is served daily.

    • Ship Inn Strand Quay Rye TN31 7DB Telephone(01797) 229256

      This large friendly pub, very poplar with tourists is situated in the Strand Quay area of Rye and offers a number of B&B rooms. The Ship Inn is now part of the Balfour Wines portfolio of pubs. They have a partnership with Cellar Head Brewery and one of their ales is usually available. Jake's cider, made at Balfour's Hush Heath Estate, is always available. There is an extensive menu and breakfast is served from 08:00 daily.

    • Waterworks Tower Street Rye TN31 7AT Telephone(01797) 224110

      Housed in a building dating from 1718, this was originally the town’s waterworks, later a soup kitchen, a public toilet, an antique shop and from May 2018, the area’s first micropub. At the time of the carefully managed conversion, the bases for two soup containers were discovered and remain uncovered to view, these date from 1907. Its earlier use as the town's water pumping station is thought to involve a wheel powered by two horses. Eight beers are sourced from a variety of breweries, all within 30 miles of Rye incluing its own brewery (and tap room) nearby, ciders are similarly local. Home made pork pies and Scotch eggs are available. The Sunday lunchtime Cheese Club has strict rules - “Bring cheese, eat cheese, no cheese, hard cheese, you’re not in the Club!" The pub is on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/ryewaterworks/?hl=en. In 2019 the pub was judged Cider/Perry Pub of the Year runner up by the local CAMRA Branch, the presentation picture shows the triumphant landlord with his certificate. In 2020/21 it was local CAMRA Branch Pub of the Year. In 2023 it was local CAMRA branch Cider Pub of the Year and in 2024 it is runner up.

    • Ypres Castle Inn Gun Garden Rye TN31 7HH

      Important! This is a cashless pub, only card payments and the like are accepted. Summer hours finish at the end of August, from September it is winter hours.

      An attractive weather-boarded pub built in 1640 with fantastic views across Romney Marsh, the outside drinking areas include part of the top of the town ramparts. An atmospheric location particularly at night, it is accessible from the steps adjacent to the ramparts of the Ypres Tower. Known locally as 'The Wipers' there is one large bar with an open log fire and an adjoining room plus a large garden with 25 tables. The house beer from Rother Valley Brewery is Ypres Castle Bitter with ABV 3.8%. The keg taps are devoted to keykeg and other craft ales, Bedlam Pilsner from Plumpton Green, East Sussex and Rothaus Pils from Germany. Quality bar snacks are offered but the pub no longer operates a kitchen. Real cider and perry is from Nightingale Cider Company, a few miles away in Tenterden, over the Kent border. The pub has an annual short closure in January.

  • Salehurst
    • Salehurst Halt Church Lane Salehurst TN32 5PH Telephone(01580) 880620

      A popular, dog friendly pub in the heart of the peacefulhamlet with excellent views over the hop fields of the Rother Valley which can be seen from the beautiful garden, this cosy family run free house is loved by the community. You can usually find a beer from a local microbrewery and a local cider, as well as good locally sourced food. There is a standard menu of pub favourites and specials and from 18:30 and on summer Wednesday evenings pizza is freshly baked in the wood-fired oven in the garden. There is live music every second Sunday of the month. In 2016 it received a certificate from the local CAMRA branch marking ten consecutive years appearing in CAMRA's Good Beer Guide.

  • St. Leonards on Sea
    • Piper 1 Norman Road St. Leonards on Sea TN37 6NH

      Reopened in July 2019, advertising arts and contemporary culture. It was refurbished prior to this, downstairs is a bar open to the public, entrance to the performance venue upstairs requires a ticket. The bar is a large single room with a central wooden bar and polished wooden floor, matched by mainly wooden furniture throughout. Pizza is available from a nearby pizzeria, ordered at the pub. Three real ales are offered, at times a fourth is available.

    • Tower 251 London Road St. Leonards on Sea TN37 6NB Telephone(01424) 721773

      A friendly welcome and a great selection of reasonably priced ales and ciders are guaranteed in this self-proclaimed 'proper boozer' that truly lives up to the label with seven cask ales on offer. There is a wood-burning stove adding to the convivial atmosphere. The main football and rugby matches are shown on HDTV screens with the week’s fixtures chalked on a board. There is a well-stocked jukebox, monthly meat raffle, the odd themed night and occasional pub trips are offered. A past winner of Branch Cider pub of the Year, up to four real ciders are usually available plus others that do not meet CAMRA's current definition of real cider, (Weston's Old Rosie, Broadoak Moonshine). Tower real ale information can be found on line using the Real Ale Finder app. The Tower had been local CAMRA Branch Pub of the Year or runner up many times and celebrated ten consecutive years in the Good Beer Guide in 2023. The presentation pictures show the Pub of the Year award being made in 2019 and the ten years award in 2023.

  • Winchelsea Beach
    • Ship Inn Sea Road Winchelsea Beach TN36 4LH Telephone(01797) 226767

      Reopened in 2022 as a café bar and has proved popular with the many visitors to the nearby beach. Internally the décor is modern and appropriate to the description. There is a small bar without seating which hosts a single handpump serving Harveys'. It has a large garden to the rear which has many tables for outdoor eating and drinking and has ares in sun and shade. There is an in house butcher and deli.