The best Pubs and Taverns in Southern England

The Crown – Hastings, East Sussex

WHERE? 64-66 All Saints' Street, Hastings, TN34 3BN

The Crown in Hastings truly is one of a kind. Nestled in the streets of the old town and right near the beachfront, owners Andrew and Tess have created a place where some people choose to spend their whole day AND evening in (no, really!). The pair actually describe their pub as "a café in the morning, a pub at lunch time, a restaurant in the evening and a bar as it gets later." With occasional live events, an array of stimulating board games, "Haircut and a Drink Thursdays", and always top quality food and drinks being served, it’s hard to not fall in love with The Crown. 

The Marine, Eastbourne, East Sussex

WHERE? 61 Seaside, Eastbourne, BN22 7NE

Built in 1806, The Marine pub was popular with the local garrison. These days, it’s a great place for couples, friends, and families alike to enjoy some delicious homemade food and their favourite drinks. A traditional pub, the inside is bursting with character, and is well-known locally for the gorgeous, extravagant display of Christmas decorations that the staff put out each year. It has a lovely conservatory restaurant and a beer garden out the back, meaning you can also soak up the summer rays with a cold, refreshing drink. 

The Old Neptune, Whitstable, Kent

WHERE? Marine Terrace, Whitstable, CT5 1EJ

Affectionately known as ‘The Neppy’, this seaside pub has a long history as a live music venue, and continues to host free music events every Saturday and Sunday. Located directly on the seafront, this dog friendly pub is the perfect place to enjoy the Kentish sunsets over the sea with continental lagers and fantastic home cooked food. They are even keeping ahead of the game and have recently launched their own reusable cups – kudos to The Old Neptune! 

The Woolpack Inn, Warehorne, Kent

WHERE? Hook Wall, Romney Marsh, TN29 9TJ

Dating back more than 600 years, this country pub oozes charm and character and stands in the heart of the Romney Marsh, surrounded by a wealth of wildlife including reed beds, hops, sheep, and a picturesque church just over the road. The Woolpack Inn is perfectly located along a lovely walking trail, and is the ideal spot to satisfy your thirst and appetite during a day out in the country. 

The Queen’s Head, Maldon, Essex

WHERE? The Hythe, Maldon, CM9 5HN

This family and dog friendly pub is set on the promenade overlooking the River Blackwater and next to the famous Thames barges, making the location one of its top highlights. If you’re fortunate enough to visit in the summer months, you simply have to sit outside and enjoy the spectacular views. The Queen’s Head is also renowned for its food, wine lists and real ales – there’s sure to be something to suit everyone. 

Totnes Brewing Company, Totnes, Devon

WHERE? 59a High Street, Totnes, TQ9 5PB

“Great beer, great setting, great vibe” pretty much sums up The Totnes Brewing Company. A small, family-run, independent brewery in the heart of Totnes, which sells not only their own beer, but also a selection of craft ales, bourbons, and gins. The décor is a bit higgledy-piggledy, but that only adds to its character. There’s also a little enclosed garden out the back, so you’ll be able to eat and drink al fresco on those warm summer days. Definitely worth a visit! 

The Smugglers Inn, Dawlish, Devon

WHERE? 27 Teignmouth Road, Dawlish, EX7 0LA

Surrounded by stunning panoramic views of the countryside and the ocean, The Smugglers Inn provides a full lunch and evening menu including steak dishes, vegan and gluten free options, as well as offering some of the most popular real ales and lagers on the market (amongst plenty of other drink options, of course). On a hot summer’s day, sit out on the sun terrace gazing out to sea, or in the colder months, choose to get cosy in front of the open fire.

The Sweffling White Horse, Saxmundham, Suffolk

WHERE? Low Road, Sweffling, Saxmundham, IP17 2BB

Over 70% of the items sold in this pub are sourced locally, serving draught real ales straight from the cask that can be purchased via a taproom door. The Sweffling White Horse serves only drinks, and stock an ever-changing range of locally brewed ales and ciders, as well as organic fair-trade & local wines, soft drinks and speciality spirits.

The Ye Olde George Inn, Christchurch, Dorset

WHERE? 2A Castle Street, Christchurch, BH23 1DT

The Ye Olde George Inn is a popular choice for locals and visitors alike, offering excellent food all day and delicious Sunday roast dinners (word on the street is you even get unlimited Yorkshire puds and gravy! (You heard it here first…). A former coaching inn rebuilt after the civil war, some of its stone foundations were looted from the nearby castle. It was refurbished back in 2016 by its new owners, and sells locally sourced guest beers. With all of this, plus regular live music and events, free WiFi, and a beer garden, what’s not to love?

Osborne View, Fareham, Hampshire

WHERE? Hill Head Road, Fareham, Hants, PO14 3JP

If you’re lucky enough to visit the Osborne View, you’ll discover that it boasts a 70m beach front garden with superb views across the Solent to the Isle of Wight and Osborne House. This famous and historic pub offers an extensive decking and patio area, so you can watch the world go by out in the sunshine, or choose to cosy up inside by the fire on chillier days. Built in the Victorian era, this seaside pub offers plenty of charm and character – a must visit!

Just For Fun

Did you know?

• Do ‘The Red Lion’, ‘The Crown’, ‘Royal Oak’, ‘White Hart’, or ‘The Swan’ sound familiar? Well, that’s because these are the most popular pub names in England, with some 944 pubs bearing the favourite name - ‘The Red Lion’.
• With a bar measuring just 15ft by 7ft, 'The Nutshell' in Winchester, holds the title for the smallest pub in England and is featured in the Guinness Book of Records.
• 'The Old Thirteenth Cheshire Astley Volunteer Rifleman Corps Inn' in Stalybridge, Greater Manchester unsurprisingly, holds the title for the longest pub name in England.