In pictures: Sussex micropub that was once a Victorian toilet block wins three awards

Landlord David Roder and his team were presented with the South-East Sussex Cider Pub of the year, South-East Sussex Runner up of pub of the year and Eastbourne Beer Festival beer of the show for Pissoir Porter 4.9%, marking another special achievement for the much-loved Rye pub. Kt Bruce, who attended the presentation, said: “The Waterworks was packed with friends, regulars and supporters, all delighted to be there to witness the presentations and share in the celebrations. There was a real sense of pride in the room as the awards were handed over, recognition not only of a great pub, but of the hard work, warmth and community spirit that David and his team bring to The Waterworks.”

The pub, in Tower Street, was the first micropub to open its doors in South East Sussex. It already has a long list of awards to its name including South East Sussex Pub of the Year in 2020 and 2021.

The building has a fascinating history. It was originally a water pump house for 300 years then a soup kitchen dating from the 1890s before becoming a public toilet block.

It is known for its wide offerings of locally sourced real ales and big selection of ciders and has added beers from its own nearby brewery and taproom.

The beers it brews have names that reflect the heritage of the micropub such as UrRYEnal a 3.6% bitter, I Pee A lot 4.4%, Golden Flush 3.3%, and Pissoir Porter.

Rye Waterworks is also famous for holding its Sunday Cheese Club which has a devoted following. It is also a popular venue for a local winter mumming tradition with the Hollington Tipteerers mumming group usually performing there unannounced on a Saturday in December.