The Best Wine Bars in West Sussex

West Sussex, with its breathtaking countryside and thriving vineyards, is a true gem for wine aficionados. From a country pub or a trendy city bar, you’ll find some of the UK’s most inviting wine spots here. They serve a fantastic range of English sparkling wines, Champagne, bold reds, fresh whites, and handpicked international varieties, complemented by delicious food and a welcoming vibe. This guide highlights the finest wine bars in West Sussex, perfect for those eager to explore both local and global wine experiences.

1. Bolney Wine Estate

• TripAdvisor rating: 4.5/5
• Price range: £££
• Best for: Vineyard views, local wines, special occasions
• Setting: Scenic vineyard estate with restaurant terrace overlooking the vines
• Location: Foxhole Lane, Bolney, Haywards Heath RH17 5NB

Bolney Wine Estate is a standout vineyard destination in West Sussex. The refined Eighteen Acre Restaurant is the centrepiece, complemented by a relaxed café and wine bar where visitors can enjoy light bites, coffee, or a refreshing glass of Bolney’s still or sparkling wine.

Guests can choose a guided tasting or a relaxing afternoon tea on the terrace, enjoying the stunning vineyard views. Bolney Estate is perfect for unwinding, tasting exceptional wines, and learning about English winemaking.

2. The Billiard Bar at South Lodge

• TripAdvisor rating: 4.5/5
• Price range: £££
• Best for: Afternoon tea, cocktails, wine, special occasions
• Setting: Elegant, wood-panelled bar with historic charm and terrace views
• Location: South Lodge Hotel, Horsham RH13 6PS

Situated within the South Lodge Hotel, the Billiard Bar blends historic charm with contemporary style. Originally a billiards room built in 1873, it now offers an extensive wine selection, including Champagne, English sparkling wines, and international bottles, alongside cocktails and premium spirits. The all-day menu features small plates and mains, while the terrace and lounge provide inviting spaces to enjoy drinks and meals.

3. The Oak Barn Bar and Restaurant

• TripAdvisor rating: 4.5/5
• Price range: ££
• Best for: Relaxed dining, Sunday lunch, date nights
• Setting: Restored oak-beamed barn with rustic charm
• Location: London Road, Burgess Hill RH15 8QA

Housed in a converted barn, The Oak Barn serves modern British dishes alongside a curated wine list featuring both European and New World selections. The relaxed, rural ambience makes it ideal for easygoing meals paired with a great glass of wine.

4. D’Arcy’s Wine Bar

• TripAdvisor rating: 4.9/5
• Price range: ££
• Best for: After-work drinks, casual dining, wine exploration
• Setting: Intimate, classic wine bar atmosphere
• Location: 21 Piries Place, Chichester PO19 1TT

D’Arcy’s has been a Chichester favourite for over 30 years, offering wines from around the world, including French reds and South African whites. Guests can enjoy a light meal or spend the evening discovering new wines in a relaxed setting.

5. Grape Worthing (The Grape Escape)

• TripAdvisor rating: 4.8/5
• Price range: ££
• Best for: Seaside wine nights, sharing boards, casual gatherings
• Setting: Contemporary and relaxed coastal bar
• Location: 14 Warwick Street, Worthing BN11 3DJ

Grape Worthing champions independent winemakers, offering natural, low-intervention, and classic Old World wines. The menu of cheeses, charcuterie, and small plates pairs beautifully with the wines, making it a lively and welcoming spot.

6. Andalucia Tapas and Wine Bar

• TripAdvisor rating: 4.5/5
• Price range: ££
• Best for: Tapas, Spanish wines, lively bar atmosphere
• Setting: Stylish Spanish-inspired bar and restaurant
• Location: 60 Ferring Street, Worthing BN12 5JP

Andalucia offers a vibrant taste of Spain, with fresh, high-quality ingredients from Spain and the UK. Tapas is the star, complemented by a curated selection of Spanish wines, lagers, gins, and cocktails. Events like Tipsy Tapas pair small plates with unlimited drinks for a lively experience.

7. Le Flamant

• TripAdvisor rating: 4.7/5
• Price range: £££
• Best for: Elegant evenings, French dining, wine pairing menus
• Setting: Sophisticated and intimate restaurant with continental flair
• Location: South Road, Haywards Heath RH16 4LU

Le Flamant brings French cuisine to West Sussex, with an extensive wine list highlighting Burgundy, Bordeaux, the Rhône, and select European wines. Each glass is paired to complement the elegant dishes.

8. The Red Deer

• TripAdvisor rating: 4.4/5
• Price range: £££
• Best for: Stylish dining, lively evenings, regular events
• Setting: Characterful town-centre pub with a vibrant atmosphere
• Location: 20 Piries Place, Horsham RH12 1EH

The Red Deer is a lively pub near Horsham station, blending traditional charm with a seasonal menu and an extensive wine list. Visitors can enjoy drinks in the bar or participate in live music and events.

9. The M Bar and Restaurant

• TripAdvisor rating: 4.6/5
• Price range: £££
• Best for: Date nights, Asian dining, city-centre convenience
• Setting: Stylish venue with lounge, cocktail bar, and live music
• Location: 19 Piries Place, Horsham, RH12 1EH

The M Bar is known for Asian fusion and cocktails, complemented by an impressive wine list featuring sparkling wines, Champagnes, whites, reds, and rosés from the UK, France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Argentina, and Australia.

10. El Matador

• TripAdvisor rating: 4.5/5
• Price range: ££
• Best for: Tapas, Spanish wines, flamenco, intimate dining
• Setting: Historic wine cellar and sun terrace
• Location: Victoria Court, 22 St Pancras, Chichester, PO19 7GD

El Matador is a family-run restaurant in a historic wine cellar. It offers contemporary tapas with a selection of Spanish wines. Guests can enjoy the sun terrace or the basement space, with occasional live flamenco enhancing the experience.

11. The Swallow’s Return

• TripAdvisor rating: 3.9/5
• Price range: ££
• Best for: Country pub classics, seasonal dishes, wine and garden dining
• Setting: Historic barn with gardens and log-fire interiors
• Location: 1 Titnore Lane, Worthing, BN12 6PB

The Swallow’s Return is a charming country pub, offering a curated wine list that pairs with hearty pub classics and seasonal dishes. Guests can enjoy the gardens in summer or the log fires in winter, making it a welcoming choice year-round.

Cheers to West Sussex Wine Nights

We’ve covered intimate bars tucked into characterful corners of West Sussex, lively pubs with extensive wine lists, and stylish restaurants where every glass is thoughtfully chosen. These venues are perfect for an easygoing night out, a casual tasting with friends, or simply discovering new favourites by the glass. With scenic vineyards, an inviting ambience, and expertly selected wines, Bolney Wine Estate is a standout choice to enjoy an evening immersed in wine.