Beautiful West Sussex pub makes final of Muddy Stilettos awards – we've tried it and we loved the food and gorgeous renovation

Katherine Hollisey-McLean
By Katherine Hollisey-McLean

Editor/Content editor/Columnist

Published 31st Mar 2025, 10:44 BST
Updated 31st Mar 2025, 14:00 BST
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A West Sussex pub is on the list of finalists for a Muddy Stilettos awards for 2025.

The Black Horse pub in Climping is up for being crowned the best Destination Pub in Sussex. Voting for the awards closes mid-April, and the pub is asking people to vote for it, which you can do here.

A spokesman said: “We are delighted to find ourselves in this year's Muddy Stilettos finals for Best Destination Pub in Sussex. This is such lovely recognition, and having just celebrated our first anniversary – we're so proud of the team!

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“A HUGE THANK YOU to everyone who has voted for us so far and we'd be grateful for your vote in the finals too (voting closes Tuesday 15th April).

The Black Horse pub in Climping serves up tasty pub food and offers overnight accommodation in its seven bedroomsThe Black Horse pub in Climping serves up tasty pub food and offers overnight accommodation in its seven bedrooms
The Black Horse pub in Climping serves up tasty pub food and offers overnight accommodation in its seven bedrooms

“If you have yet to visit, do pop in and enjoy the warmth and buzz of The Black Horse very soon – whether for a pint of local ale, delicious traditional fish & chips or we have some fabulous upcoming events, and we'd love to see you there! Did you know we are only 10 minutes walk from Bailiffscourt and the coast at Climping? And we have seven lovely bedrooms, entirely reconfigured, and renovated with fresh new bathrooms and beautiful wallpapers inspired by the local nature.”

The pub reopened last year after an extensive renovation. The historic property dates back to the 17th Century when it was a smugglers’ inn.

As part of the renovation, the existing downstairs bar area was stripped back and the parquet wooden floor restored to its former glory. The restoration uncovered a chimney stack now housing a double-sided wood burner stove, along with carefully polished and repaired original wooden banquette seating and a striking pewter bar – thought to be the longest pewter bar in Sussex.

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The renovations have also seen the addition of The Ryebank, an oak frame extension filled with light and height with views over the fields. There is also a pink private room, for cosy celebrations, that’s available on a first-come-first-serve basis.

For more information, see https://www.hshotels.co.uk/theblackhorseclimping

The Black Horse is in Climping Street, Climping, Littlehampton, BN17 5RL. Call them on 01903 715175.

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