West Sussex country pub with 'real connection to its local community' shortlisted for top national award
A pub near Petworth is in the running for one of the UK’s top hospitality honours.
The Welldiggers Arms has been named as a contender for West Sussex Pub & Bar of the Year.
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.
The pub’s website reads: “The recently refurbished Welldiggers Arms is a traditional country pub and a proud Butcombe Boutique Inn.
"Located in beautiful Low Heath near Petworth, West Sussex, enjoy luxury in one of our 14 boutique bedrooms and enjoy dining next to our large picture windows overlooking a stunning coppice and the rolling South Downs.
“Managed by Butcombe Pubs & Inns, the much-loved venue will now compete for the county title – and potentially the overall crown of best pub in the UK – when the winners are announced at a ceremony in London on Wednesday, June 10.”
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.