I visited a West Sussex country pub shortlisted for top national award - This is what I thought

Sitting beside the pub’s large picture windows, I looked straight out over a coppice and the rolling South Downs – a backdrop that quietly sets high expectations for what’s to come.

The Welldiggers Arms has been named as a contender for West Sussex Pub & Bar of the Year and, after visiting myself for the first time, it is easy to see why.

The Low Heath watering hole been placed among more than 250 standout venues across the country, recognised in this year’s National Pub & Bar Awards.

Set in peaceful surroundings, the pub makes an immediate impression.

Thankfully, the food more than lived up to the setting.

We started with a well-seasoned and flavoursome lamb merguez sausage roll, served with chermoula yoghurt (£7.80), which complemented the dish well. We also tasted the garlic and chilli prawns with sourdough (£9) – this was well-executed and, again, full of flavour.

The Brewery burger (£19.90) didn’t disappoint — stacked with beer-braised onions, Tewkesbury mustard, Red Leicester and pickles, it was rich but well-balanced, especially with the extra hit of streaky bacon (£2.50).

The Creedy Carver chicken supreme, served with king oyster mushrooms, thyme rosti, prosciutto and a wild mushroom velouté, leaned more towards polished restaurant cooking than classic pub grub. The chicken itself was beautifully cooked and full of flavour – with the mushrooms adding a complementary earthiness that tied the dish together nicely.

A side of Butcombe beer-battered onion rings (£5.30) proved hard to resist – crisp, golden and exactly what you’d hope for.

Desserts continued the strong showing. The sticky toffee carrot pudding (£7.50), finished with butterscotch sauce and salted honey ice cream, was rich and comforting, while the trio of Biscoff-filled doughnuts (£4.80) – were dangerously moreish and best handled with care. Make sure you wait for them to cool down before taking the first bite!

The recently refurbished Welldiggers Arms is described on its website as a traditional country pub and a proud Butcombe Boutique Inn, adding: “On the menu, it’s all about traditional pub food created with the finest seasonal and local produce, and the best Sunday roasts in the area.

"Behind the bar, you’ll find a cracking range of cask ale and craft beer, plus local cider and a great wine selection.

"Outside our beer garden is ideal for al fresco drinking and dining – perfect for a laidback lunch, or a few pints of Butcombe in the sunshine.”

The venue has clearly struck a balance between traditional country charm and a more elevated dining offering. Praise must also go to the staff, who were attentive throughout and delivered service with a warm, friendly manner, that helped create a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.

With its combination of high-quality food, warm hospitality and one of the best views in the area, it makes a strong case for the title of West Sussex Pub & Bar of the Year.

The winners will be announced in London this June – but regardless of the outcome, this is already a destination pub worth seeking out. There’s also the opportunity of an overnight luxury stay in one of the 14 boutique bedrooms.

Every room is individually styled – ‘combining cosy cottage charm with contemporary touches’ and ‘all the modern amenities you could wish for’.

Find out more at https://butcombe.com/the-welldiggers-arms-west-sussex/rooms/

Jayson Perfect, chief operating officer of Butcombe Group, said The Welldiggers Arms ‘truly embodies’ what Butcombe stands for – ‘genuine hospitality, great beer, and a real connection to its local community’.

He added: "Being shortlisted for West Sussex Pub & Bar of the Year is a fantastic achievement and a testament to the passion, creativity and consistency shown by the entire team.

“Awards like this matter because they shine a light on pubs that are doing things properly, and The Welldiggers Arms is absolutely one of them. We’re thrilled for the team, grateful to our guests for their continued support, and excited to see what June brings.”

Now in its tenth year, the National Pub & Bar Awards celebrates excellence across the industry, with 94 County Winners set to be named as the best in their respective areas.

Also representing West Sussex on the national stage are The Crown at Turners Hill and The George at Burpham.

They join other shortlisted venues from across the South East, including entries in neighbouring counties such as Hampshire, Surrey and East Sussex, highlighting the region’s strength in hospitality.

Organised by Pub & Bar magazine, the awards assess venues on a wide range of criteria shaping the customer experience – from marketing and digital presence to service, design and overall offer.

Tristan O’Hana, editor of Pub & Bar magazine – which hosts the event – said: “Our bigger and better format that debuted in 2025 was such a success, we can’t wait to roll it out again this year.

"The fact that the celebrations last from the long Easter weekend, when we celebrate this year’s County Nominees, right up until the awards night at the beginning of summer is no less than this wonderful industry deserves.

"We just want to do what we can to spread the word about these brilliant businesses.”

The ceremony will also unveil the Industry’s Choice Award, decided by a panel of 400 judges, alongside consumer-voted categories including Pub Group of the Year and Bar Group of the Year.

Judges assess venues on a wide range of factors shaping the guest experience, including marketing, digital presence, design, service and overall offer – placing The Welldiggers Arms firmly among the UK’s leading pubs ahead of this summer’s final.