insideSUSSEX Magazine Issue 16 - June 2016 | Page 37

FOOD+DRINK

The Ultimate Sussex

Pub Crawl
The good old British pub is a tradition and an institution. It is something that many other
countries try to emulate, but never get quite right (ask anyone who has ever visited a
‘traditional English pub’ while on holiday), and it is a symbol of our nation’s culture that
is often the very heart of a town or village.

The Crab & Lobster, Sidlesham
www.crab-lobster.co.uk
The idea of the public house dates all the
way back to the Roman invasion of AD43,
when the Romans not only brought us
their straight roads, calendars and central
heating, but also brought their tabernae too.
Tabernae were really wine shops, which
were set up alongside the Roman roads as
they were built, so that the workers could
quench their thirst. Soon enough, locals
started to use them too, ale was added to
the menu, and the word used to describe
these places became ‘tavern’.
Sussex has a rich variety of wonderful pubs
ranging from the chic bistro to the village
local, and each one has a charm all of its
own. The best way to experience each
different type – and each different tipple – is
to follow the ultimate Sussex pub crawl!

The Crab & Lobster has a 350-year history,
and that, coupled with its location on the
banks of the Pagham Harbour Nature Reserve,
equals a very interesting and attractive
place to eat, drink and be merry. It’s close to
Chichester, but far away enough from the town
environment to feel ‘properly country’, and
thanks to the relaxed style, friendly ambience,
unsurpassed service and excellent quality
food and drink, this pub has everything. Crab
and lobster features heavily on the menu (of
course), but there is also a good selection of
other food including fish caught daily by local
Selsey fishermen. Traditional British food sits
alongside classic Mediterranean flavours and
there are also 17 different wines (all available by
the glass) to try, some great beers and lagers,
and a beautiful terrace to enjoy them on when
the weather permits. If not, the interior of the
pub is just as cosy and comfortable.

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