The Sussex Brewery, Hermitage, Emsworth

Official site of The Sussex Brewery - www.sussexbrewery.co.uk

Official site of The Sussex Brewery - www.sussexbrewery.co.uk

A superb 17th Century town pub well known for it sausages – there is a sign outside that says ‘Home of the Sausage’ – but which adds far more value as an ale house.  There is a small carpark at the side, and there is a paved terrace seating area at the front with 3 wooden tables and some benches.  Inside, the small bars are atmospheric and welcoming, comfortable enough for drinking and eating pub style, though one or two people seem to complain when they don’t get restaurant-style service.  This isn’t the pub’s fault, and the staff remained admirably patient with the idiots.  The food was good enough for what it was, speciality sausages and mash, overpriced, but that’s their thing.  There are two main bar areas, plus a dining area.  Two ales on stillage, Tribute and TEA, plus on draft they had Tribute (again), Young’s Bitter and Special, Doombar, Directors and Sussex Bitter.  Old Rosie was also available for cider drinkers.  The staff were friendly enough, but we found it odd that in a pub with a good reputation for ale neither the landlord nor the barman had heard of CAMRA.    Well worth a visit and I shall certainly be back next time I’m in the area.