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Discover Worthing’s Unique Pubs and Micropubs
I visit a number of notable pubs and micropubs in Worthing, starting with Anchored in Worthing, the town’s first micropub, which initiated a local real ale movement. Each venue showcases unique character and local charm, like The Toad in the Hole’s rich history and The Fox & Finch’s cosy living room feel. Other establishments, such as The Brooksteed and The Green Man Ale & Cider House, emphasise community involvement and traditional pub values. Newer places like The Tasting Room and The Old Bike Store maintain friendly atmospheres while contributing to Worthing’s vibrant social scene. Overall, these venues represent a rich tapestry of local culture and beer enjoyment.
Worthing started out as a small fishing hamlet on the Sussex coast, known for farming and smuggling. In the late 18th century, it transformed into a fashionable seaside resort when wealthy visitors came seeking sea-bathing and fresh air. The arrival of the railway in 1845 made it even more popular, boosting tourism and growth. By the Victorian era, Worthing had elegant terraces, gardens, and a thriving pier. Later, it became a peaceful retirement spot as well as a family holiday town. Today, it blends seaside charm with modern life—piers, pebble beaches, and a lively arts scene with a quirky past.
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Anchored in Worthing
My first call in Worthing was to Anchored in Worthing. This was founded by Nigel Watson in 2013 and was the town’s first micropub, sparking a local craft beer revival. Opening originally in a short walk away, it embraced the micropub ethos: no music or machines—just conversation, cask ale, cider, and local produce. Rapid CAMRA recognition followed, and it became a community hub. The pub later moved to a larger, more central site off Montague Place, retaining its welcoming character. Its pioneering spirit inspired similar venues across Sussex, cementing its role in Worthing’s modern pub culture.
Inside the look is warm, quirky, and full of character. Exposed brick walls mix with painted wood panelling, while vintage mirrors, framed prints, and pub memorabilia add layers of personality. The tall front windows flood the space with light, offering views onto the bustling street. Mismatched chairs and rustic tables create a relaxed, lived-in feel. Overhead, pendant lights cast a soft, golden glow in the evenings, while subtle touches—like reclaimed timber shelves and hand-painted signs—give the place a distinctive, welcoming, and unmistakable local charm.
A great selection of 3 local ales, served direct from a cool room at the back, alongside a range of ciders and other options. I went with a tasting board of all 3 ales which included – “Hazy Pale – Citra, Mosaic & Centennial” from UnBarred Brewery, “Rising Giant” from Long Man Brewery and “Sundowner” from Langham Brewery. A great mix of local breweries to enjoy.
The Toad in the Hole
A short walk brings me next to The Toad in the Hole. This began life in the 1870s as the Castle Alehouse, serving the growing local community during Worthing’s Victorian expansion. Over the decades, it changed hands and names, becoming the Castle Tavern and later O’Connor’s, each era reflecting shifts in the town’s social scene. The building’s sturdy brickwork and traditional pub layout survived two world wars, remaining a familiar landmark for generations. In March 2022, it was revived by Hand Brew Co and renamed The Toad in the Hole, a tribute to the traditional Sussex pub game that’s part of the area’s cultural heritage.
Inside the feel is warm and unfussy, with a mix of wooden floors and carpets, a sturdy bar, and that classic pub glow from soft lighting. Seating’s a mix of high stools near the bar for a quick pint and plenty of tables where you can linger with friends. There are cosy corners for a bit of privacy, and the layout feels open without losing that snug, welcoming feel. A big chalkboard adds a personal touch, and little details give it character without going over the top. It’s the kind of place that feels instantly easy to settle into.
A choice of 2 cask ales alongside 8 keg lines and a cider give lots of options, with more available in cans in the fridge. I went with “Beau Riso” from Hand Brew Co in collaboration with BRZN. A delicious New England IPA, hazy and super juicy.
The Fox & Finch
The Fox & Finch opened in July 2019 as part of Worthing’s growing micropub scene. Its name blends a nod to home life with a fondness for finches, giving it a friendly, quirky character. Tucked on Littlehampton Road near the Thomas A Becket pub, it quickly became known as a welcoming, laid-back spot for locals to gather. In 2023, the pub changed hands, but its warm atmosphere, familiar faces, and community spirit stayed the same. With its cosy charm and easygoing feel, it’s now a small but well-loved landmark in Worthing’s community life.
Step inside and it feels a bit like walking into someone’s cosy living room. The décor is warm and unfussy, with mismatched chairs, friendly chatter, and the occasional dog snoozing under a table. The walls are dotted with bits of local character, and the lighting stays soft and inviting. It’s the kind of place where conversations start easily, whether you came alone or with friends. The wall of tins in the toilets is an interesting feature.
Drinks wise a great line up of 2 cask ales, 5 keg beers and a range of 5 ciders to choose from. Here I went with “Sussex Blonde” from 360° Brewing Company. A great easy drinking and refreshing pale ale.
The Brooksteed
Next up is The Brooksteed. This was Worthing’s second micropub which opened in 2014 in a former hairdressing salon on South Farm Road, near Worthing station. Its name recalls the street’s former title, Brooksteed Road, itself linked to a historic local farm. Founded as part of the growing micropub movement, it focused on conversation, community, and heritage. In 2017, it changed hands but retained its character and reputation, winning multiple awards including Sussex Pub of the Year from CAMRA. Another ownership change came in 2023, with its role as a welcoming local hub preserved, continuing to connect with Worthing’s social fabric and rail-side history.
Outside, it’s modest but inviting along with a great covered seating area. Inside, it’s warm and welcoming—wooden tables, mismatched chairs, shelves lined with books, and walls dotted with local art, beer mats, and quirky vintage signs. Lots of greenery and other small touches finish the place off. Out back, the garden has bright planters, painted benches, and sheltered corners perfect for a chat.
On the bar a fantastic mix of cask and keg beers to choose from alongside a choice of ciders. I went with a sour beer from Hand Brew Co in collaboration with Up Front Brewing and The Hanging Bat Brew Co. A tasty cucumber, gooseberry and mint sour.
Bottle & Jug Dept
Just down the road brings me to Bottle & Jug Dept in Worthing, tucked into a little row of shops. The building has been part of the area for years, once serving as an off-licence. The name comes from those old “bottle and jug” counters pubs used to have, where takeaway drinks were passed through a hatch. These days it’s been spruced up, but it still carries that cosy, old-local charm that’s been part of its story for decades.
Inside you’re met a rows of fridges humming quietly, packed with colourful cans that catch your eye straight away. The place is small but has a laid-back charm, with a few tables and stools tucked in so you can sit and enjoy something right there. Shelves run along the right hand wall, giving it that “treasure hunt” feel as you browse. The whole space feels welcoming without trying too hard. It’s the sort of spot where you can come for a drink, stay for a chat, and lose track of time.
A choice of 3 keg beers on draught to choose from, or pick yourself something from the hundreds of cans on offer to drink in. I went with “Session IPA” from The Three Legs Brewing Co. A very easy drinking session IPA. Well balanced and tasty.
The Green Man Ale & Cider House
The Green Man Ale & Cider House in Worthing opened on 7 October 2016, founded by Les Johnson in a former café. It was the town’s third micropub, part of a growing local trend inspired by the micropub movement that began in Kent in the early 2000s. Quickly embraced by the community, it earned multiple CAMRA awards within a few years, including Pub of the Year and Cider Pub of the Year. The Green Man is now recognised as a key player in Worthing’s pub revival, marking a shift toward smaller, independently run venues focused on traditional pub values.
Inside the feel is warm, simple, and built for conversation. It’s a small, open space on a sunny corner, with big windows that let in plenty of light. A striking stained-glass panel adds a touch of character, while high tables and stools keep things casual and sociable. There’s no blaring music or screens — just the sound of people chatting over their drinks. The décor is understated, with a focus on the bar and the ever-changing beer board. It feels more like a friendly living room than a traditional pub, and that’s exactly the point.
It was great to meet up with Colin and his wife who I bumped into in Hove back in 2023. Drinks wise today a selection of 5 ales and a great choice of ciders all served from a cold room. I went with “Dave Best” from Goldmark Craft Beers. A well balanced and malty bitter.
The Foresters
A short walk around the corner brings me next to The Foresters in Worthing,. This is a cosy micropub that opened on 1 November 2024. Its name reflects a forestry theme, with plenty of wood in the décor. The building used to be a fabric and craft shop before being transformed into a friendly local spot. It’s known for its relaxed atmosphere, quirky touches like announcing last orders with a Paiste gong, and a popular Sunday cheeseboard where donations go to charity. The Foresters has quickly become a welcoming place for locals and visitors to unwind and enjoy good company.
Walk inside and you’re met with warm wooden walls, cosy corners, and a friendly, laid-back feel. The space is long and narrow, with a few high tables at the front and more lower seating tucked-away as you head back. The décor leans heavily into its forestry theme, with plenty of timber details and a natural, earthy feel. It’s the sort of place where you can settle in for a quiet chat, read the paper, or just watch the world go by. Simple, welcoming, and full of character—it feels a bit like stepping into a woodland lodge in the middle of town.
On the bar a choice of 7 cask ales, 4 keg beers and a range of ciders to choose from. I went with “Played Like A Piano” from Verdant Brewing Co. A fantastic West Coast IPA, well balanced and super tasty.
The Tasting Room by Merakai Brewing
Founded in 2020 in Uckfield, Sussex, Merakai Brewing CO quickly gained a following for vibrant, modern craft beers with a strong community focus. In April 2023, the brewery opened The Tasting Room By Merakai Brewing in Worthing’s Stanford Square—a cosy space in a Grade II-listed 1910 building once linked to Stanford Cottage, where Jane Austen once stayed. Plans are in motion to add small-batch brewing on site, letting visitors enjoy beer made just metres from where they’re sitting.
It looks welcoming from the outside, with its Grade II-listed brickwork, big windows, and a cosy, almost hidden feel. Step inside and it’s warm, laid-back, and small enough to feel like everyone’s in on the same conversation. Wooden tables, soft lighting, and a simple bar give it a no-fuss charm.
Drinks wise a range of 5 keg beers to choose from, along with further choices available in cans from the fridge. I went with their “Robo Boogie”. A fantastic New Zealand Pale Ale packed with Nelson Sauvin, Rakau and Motueka Hops. A delicious beer.
The Old Bike Store
The Old Bike Store in Worthing sits in a spot that once really was a bike shop, fixing punctures and selling cycles to locals for years. In 2018, it changed hands and the new owners kept the name as a nod to its past. While it no longer deals in chains, tyres, or greasy tools, the building’s history still hangs in the air, with locals swapping stories about the days they popped in for a quick repair. It’s become a friendly place for the community, carrying the spirit of the old shop while writing its own new chapter in Worthing’s story.
Inside it’s got a cosy, lived-in charm that feels instantly welcoming. The walls nod to its cycling past with a few quirky touches, but it’s more about the laid-back atmosphere than themed décor. There’s a warm mix of tables and nooks where people gather, chat, and unwind. Soft lighting keeps things relaxed. It’s the kind of place where you can sit for a while without feeling rushed.
On the bar a choice of 10 keg beers, alongside a range of ciders and further choices in cans. “Little C” from Phantom Brewing Co was my beer choice. A super juicy and super hazy New England IPA packed full of Citra hops.
Beer No Evil
Beer No Evil began in 2018 in Worthing as a small independent business dedicated to bringing fresh ideas to the town’s food and drink scene. Set just off the seafront, it quickly became known for championing local and independent producers, taking part in community events, and supporting sustainable practices. It has been a regular fixture in the annual Worthing Tap Takeover and other collaborative festivals, helping to grow the town’s reputation for independent hospitality.
Step inside and you’ll find a compact but airy space with a clean, modern look, a counter showcasing what’s on offer, and shelves lined with colourful labels. The atmosphere is relaxed and chatty, with a mix of locals and visitors dropping in. Large front windows bring in plenty of natural light, while the terrace offers a prime spot to watch the world go by.
Drinks wise a choice of 6 keg lines, a cider and a large selection of cans in the fridges to choose from. “Hazy Dip” from UnBarred Brewery was my beer selection. A soft, juicy and very easy drinking American Pale Ale.
The Selden Arms
Last up is The Selden Arms. This has been part of Worthing life since around 1869. It’s seen plenty of landlords over the years, including the Brunton family in the early 1900s and wartime tales of bomb damage nearby. In the ’50s and ’60s, William and Elsie Fuller ran it, followed by Colin and Lynne Brown—who once saved puppies with Guinness in 1979! In the ’80s, Paul Melhuish gave it a “country pub in town” vibe, serving crepes alongside great ales. After closing in late 2022, it bounced back under new owners in April 2023—still cosy, still friendly, and still very much Worthing’s pub.
Inside the copper-topped bar catches the light and pints are poured with care. The furniture’s a friendly mix of old chairs and sturdy tables, like they’ve been here forever. There’s always something to look at—quirky signs, old photos, and little nods to its long history. People chat easily at the bar, while others tuck into a pint in the corner. It’s relaxed, warm, and a bit like stepping into your mate’s living room.
Drinks wise a great line up of 5 cask ales, 11 keg lines and 3 ciders. Lots of choice. “Wild Lands” from Burnt Mill Brewery was my beer choice. A tasty hazy pale with some great hop flavours.
Micropub Adventures 