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Pints by the Coast and City: Exploring Pubs in Chichester and Selsey
When I went exploring pubs in Chichester, I quickly realised each had its own character. The Hole in the Wall, dating back to the 1700s, drew me in with its snug atmosphere and proper cask ales. The Escapist, which only opened during the pandemic, felt inventive and full of energy, with its craft beers and playful décor. The Ghost at the Feast was a real treat too, mixing up street food with an eclectic bar that gave it a buzzing edge. Crafty BisHop had a much more laid-back, homely feel, the sort of place where you can settle in and chat with locals. Little Monster Tap was warm and welcoming, the perfect spot to try some cracking local brews. And then there was The Hopp Inn — a true micro-pub with a friendly, down-to-earth atmosphere and a real sense of community.
Chichester and Selsey, down on the south coast of West Sussex, both have long, interesting histories. Chichester started out as a Roman town called Noviomagus Reginorum and grew into a busy market town before becoming a cathedral city in the 11th century. The cathedral still stands today as the heart of the city, surrounded by old streets and parts of its medieval walls. Just along the coast, Selsey was once the home of the first Sussex bishop before the seat moved to Chichester in 1075. Famous for its fishing – especially crabs and lobsters – Selsey keeps its traditional seaside charm.
The Hole in the Wall
First up was The Hole in the Wall. This is one of Chichester’s best-loved old pubs, with roots going back to the 1700s. It started life as The Black Dog, but picked up its current name from a little hatch in the wall where beer was once passed straight out onto the street. Over the years it’s been a favourite pub for locals, soldiers, and anyone passing through town.
From the outside, it looks simple and traditional, tucked neatly into Chichester’s historic streets with its sign hanging above the door. Inside, it’s all low ceilings, wooden beams and cosy corners – the kind of place that feels like it hasn’t changed much in years. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, with a friendly, lived-in feel.
On the bar a fantastic line up of 8 cask ales, 4 handpull ciders and a large selection of keg beers along the back wall. I opted to go with “Tempo” from Siren Craft Brew. A very easy drinking, sessionable American Pale Ale.
The Escapist
Next up was The Escapist. This opened on 31 July 2020 at 1 Crane Street, Chichester. It quickly became a gathering place for craft beer lovers, despite launching in the middle of the pandemic. Crane Street itself has long been part of Chichester’s historic core, running between the Market Cross and the cathedral, with buildings dating back several centuries. The Escapist added a modern chapter to this heritage, standing out as a lively, independent venue.
Step inside and it feels instantly relaxed and creative. The serving bar is glossy green with a chunky wooden counter, and the side is plastered with beer stickers and backed by a chalkboard menu and neat row of taps. Overhead, bikes and skateboards hang alongside quirky signs, giving it a playful edge. The rest of the pub is cosy and hand-built: mismatched tables and stools, rustic wood surfaces, and low sofas piled with cushions. Walls are packed with posters, records and artwork, while warm lighting softens the industrial details.
Beer wise a selection of 7 keg lines alongside a variety or cans to choose from. I went with “Solero” from Yonder Brewing. A sour smoothie mix of Mango, Peach and Passionfruit. Super refreshing.
The Ghost at the Feast
Around the corner to The Ghost at the Feast. This is a lively food hall and bar blending local history with modern dining. Its name, borrowed from Shakespeare’s Macbeth, nods both to the city’s ghostly folklore and the unseen struggles of the restaurant trade. Spread across two floors, the venue brings together independent street-food vendors, craft beer, cocktails, and even a micro-winery, making it a hub for community and creativity.
Fauna Brewing run a cosy little bar upstairs that feels relaxed and welcoming. They’re known for their small-batch, characterful craft beers, often rotating what’s on tap so there’s usually something new to try. The space has an easygoing feel—great for grabbing a pint with friends before heading down to the busy food hall, or just settling in for a quieter drink. It’s got that mix of local charm and creative brewing that makes it stand out.
A great variety of keg beers available here on the back wall, alongside a range of other options. I went with “Cheeky Chimp” from Fauna Brewing. A delicious hoppy Pale Ale brewed with Ella and Simcoe hops.
Crafty BisHop
A short walk brought me next to Crafty BisHop. This opened in summer 2022, breathing new life into a tucked-away spot just off South Street. The site itself had stood empty for several years after once being home to a long-established pub, and locals were eager to see it revived. Rather than recreating a noisy, late-night bar, the vision was to build something more relaxed and community-minded — almost like a living room that happened to serve drinks. Its name, a playful nod to both the city’s cathedral heritage and the landlord’s wit, quickly made it a friendly fixture in Chichester’s pub scene.
Step inside and it feels more like someone’s front room than a pub. Tucked away from the bustle of South Street, the little bar is warm, cosy and welcoming, with mismatched furniture, soft lighting and friendly chatter replacing the blare of TVs or loud music. The walls carry a lived-in charm that makes the place instantly familiar.
On the bar a great line up of 6 keg beers to choose from in a range of styles. I went with a sour beer, “Enceladus Oceans” from Makemake. A gose with Lemon, Vanilla, Green Tea and Hops. Super tart and refreshing.
Little Monster Tap
Last up in Chichester was Little Monster Tap. This opened in 2022 bringing a friendly new hangout spot to the heart of Chichester. It’s the taproom for Little Monster Brewing Co. The local brewery started by Brendan Quinn in 2018 after a few years of brewing on the move. Just a short walk from the cathedral and city centre, the taproom quickly became a welcoming place for locals and visitors alike to relax, catch up, and feel part of the community.
Inside has a chilled, welcoming feel as soon as you walk in. Big windows bring in loads of natural light, and the mix of brick, wood and simple décor keeps it cosy without trying too hard. The bar is the main focus, with plenty of benches and tables where groups can spread out, plus smaller spots if you just want to tuck yourself away. It feels open and relaxed, the kind of place where you can instantly settle in, whether you’re catching up with friends, people-watching by the window, or just stopping by for a laid-back evening.
Drinks wise a great line up of 3 cask lines, 10 keg lines and a range of further options in cans and bottles. I selected “Drift” from Little Monster Brewing Co. A tasty, easy drinking and refreshing summer Pale Ale.
The Hopp Inn
A bus ride out to Selsey was next up. Here I visited The Hopp Inn. This is a cosy micro-pub on Selsey’s High Street, which locals may remember as The Crab Pot before its relaunch in 2022. Housed in a former shop unit, it was transformed into a welcoming spot for the community, reflecting the town’s growing interest in independent, small-scale venues. Since opening, it has become known for its relaxed, friendly atmosphere and lively events, from music nights to pub quizzes. Positioned in the heart of Selsey, The Hopp Inn continues the town’s tradition of local meeting places, blending a modern micro-pub style with the social spirit of a classic local pub.
It has a simple, welcoming look from the street, with a neat frontage that feels more like a friendly little shop than a pub. There’s usually a bit of outdoor seating, perfect for people-watching on the High Street. Inside, it’s cosy and laid-back, with a handful of tables and stools that make it feel snug rather than crowded. The décor is straightforward and homely, with wooden finishes, warm lighting, and a few quirky touches that give it character. It’s the kind of place where you instantly feel at ease, more like popping into a friend’s living room than a bar. Super friendly and super welcoming!
Drinks wise a range of 3 cask ales, 4 keg lines and a large choice of ciders, alongside a variety of bottles to choose from. Here I went with “Out of Exile” from Vibrant Forest Brewery. A smashing American Pale Ale hopped with Sabro and Ekuanot. Easy drinking and very enjoyable.
Micropub Adventures 