Two Sussex pubs have been named among the best in South East England as part of the National Pub & Bar Awards 2023.

The Blue Bell at Cocking and The Stag Inn at Hastings were included among the nine recognised in the South East regional section.

A total of 94 venues have been recognised in the annual event as the best in their respective counties.

The awards aim to highlight the positive and inspiring work being carried out across the UK’s hospitality industry.

Two Sussex pubs named among best in South East

On its website, The Blue Bell at Cocking describes itself as "a welcoming free house, serving fresh local produce and a choice of local ales, and excellent coffee."

Additional features include a garden with views over the South Downs and the fact that the establishment is dog-friendly.

Alongside that, the pub also acts as an official South Downs Information Point, providing comprehensive information on the surrounding area.

On Tripadvisor, it is well-received with a 4.5/5 rating from its 249 reviews.

Meanwhile, The Stag Inn which is located in Hastings describes the pub as being located at the "top of picturesque All Saints Street".

Its website adds: "Beamed ceilings and rustic floorboards are complemented by twinkling lights, cosy interiors and a welcoming bar."

Additionally, the pub is dog-friendly, has its own private bar billiards room which you can book out and has "the Old Town’s largest pub garden".

On Tripadvisor it has earnt a score of 4.5/5 from 239 reviews, making it well-regarded.

South East County Winners at the National Pub & Bar Awards 2023

  • Hare & Hounds, Newbury, Berkshire
  • West Sussex, The Blue Bell at Cocking, West Sussex
  • The Fighting Cocks, Isle of Wight
  • The Marquis of Granby, Kent
  • The Oarsman, Buckinghamshire
  • The Running Horses, Mickleham, Surrey
  • The Rusty Bicycle, Oxfordshire
  • The Stag Inn, East Sussex
  • The Vaults, Hampshire

You can see the full list of County Winners via the National Pub & Bar Awards website.

How do the awards work?

Entries for the awards have been open since the start of the year, with hundreds of venues outlining the details of their operation, summarising the work that goes into design, training, team welfare, sustainability, food, drink, marketing and many other areas. 

At the award ceremony in June, official regional winners will be crowned as well as an overall winner.

Tristan O’Hana, editor of Pub & Bar magazine, which runs the awards, said: “We were overwhelmed by the level and quality of entries this year.

“It just goes to show what magnificent work is going on across the UK hospitality sector. With outrageous energy costs, recruitment shortages and a punishing taxation system, these businesses are once again facing tough times.

"Now, more than ever, it’s vital that people support their local pubs and bars. So, ahead of the long Easter weekend, why not check out the finest in your county?”