Best for: A post-walk pint with the dog
Located on the town’s southern tip in Meads and a recent Trip Advisor Travellers Choice Award winner, The Pilot Inn is a bit of an Eastbourne institution. Popular with walkers aiming for Beachy Head or the Seven Sisters, it’s also a great place to go for a slap-up Sunday lunch. With two restaurants, a dog friendly bar, generous garden, it’s loved for its welcoming atmosphere and consistently good food. And you’ll be equally welcome whether you’re eating or just stopping by for a drink.
Food: Yes, served Mon-Sat 12-8.30pm, Sun 12-5.30pm
Dog friendly: Yes
Beer garden: Yes
Location: Meads
Sunday lunch: Yes
Booking: Probably wise
Local Tip: The pork belly roast gets rave reviews, drawing in diners from far and wide.
Best for: Seafront pub grub
One of the most decorated pubs in Eastbourne, The Crown & Anchor sits right on the seafront and has earned its reputation as one of the town’s most beloved taverns. Home-cooked meals are served daily from breakfast through to the evening, with a generous selection of wines, spirits, lagers and ales always on offer. Real ale enthusiasts will find four handpumps, including Harvey’s Sussex Best. Live music fills the pub every Friday and Saturday (it also hosts its own annual singing competition) and there’s a beautiful function room with balcony sea views. Dog friendly, family friendly and awarded CAMRA’s Community Pub of the Year in 2022 – it’s a genuine local gem.
Food: Yes 10am-9pm daily, breakfast from 10am
Dog friendly: Yes
Live music: Fri & Sat evenings
Pub quiz: Thursdays
Location: Marine Parade, seafront
Real ales: Yes four handpumps, including Harvey’s
Outdoor seating: Yep, with sea views
Local Tip: The Crown & Anchor is known for its generous portions and cracking Sunday lunches, probably best visited after and not before a swim…
Best for: A proper, traditional local
Independently run for over 40 years, The Marine is a traditional pub serving up crowd pleasing hearty and homemade food. Perfect for all the family, including dogs, you’ll find its cheery and welcoming blue and white frontage just off the seafront, literally on Seaside, five minutes from the pier. Sit in the incredible old oak bar or take a load off in the armchairs in the lounge or sit outside on their patio, delightfully planted in the summer months, spilling over with flowers. In the festive season, their Christmas decorations are a sight to behold.
Food: Lunch served 12-2pm Mon-Saturday and dinner 6pm-9.30pm. Sundays all day from 12-9.30pm.
Dog friendly: Check before visiting
Beer garden: Yes
Location: Seaside, off seafront
Sunday lunch: Yes, all day.
Booking: Plenty of tables – but probably wise to book if you’re eating
Local Tip: The fish and chips are legendary.
Best for: Seafront drinks on the terrace.
A super-welcoming hotel bar with a sun-soaked seafront terrace, welcoming residents and non-residents alike, this is a great place for a relaxed drink with a view. Stocking a good selection of hand-picked beers, cocktails and wines in summer it’s great for a drink overlooking the water and in winter for cosying up in the snug. You’ll find the staff super friendly and there’s food available should you get peckish.
Food: Bar snacks (restaurant also on site)
Dog friendly: Yes
Outdoor seating: Yes, sea view terrace
Location: Royal Parade, seafront
Booking: Walk-ins welcome
Local Tip: The hotel also does a tip-top afternoon tea, so check out the menu when you’re there.
