A small and ‘bustling’ coastal town in Sussex has been named one of the best in the country for pubs.
Expert Will Hawkes at The Telegraph has rounded up his list of England’s 10 greatest pub towns.
He said: “These places have a few things in common beyond their excellent pubs.
“Affordable pints, for one. Many of them have a strong traditional culture.
“And most, I would say, are not over-engaged with the excesses of modernity, whether through choice or the misfortunes of economic history.”
You can view the full list online.
Hastings in Sussex named one of England’s greatest pub towns
Making the list was Hastings in Sussex, found on the coast in East Sussex.
Known for the Battle of Hastings in 1066, which was fought on a nearby field where Battle Abbey now stands, it has plenty of history.
But it is the town’s pubs that have earned its praise, with plenty to choose from.
Telegraph expert Mr Hawkes notes how he lived in Hastings more than 20 years ago.
Hastings is a pretty town on the coast of East Sussex (Image: Getty Images)
He wrote: “I used to frequent a pub called the Admiral Benbow, largely because it had a pool table upstairs.
“It has now been closed for many years, alas, but Hastings still has more than its fair share of decent pubs.”
The full list of England’s 10 best pub towns, according to The Telegraph, is:
Burton, Staffordshire
Dudley, West Midlands
Halifax, West Yorkshire
Hanley, Staffordshire
Hastings, East Sussex
Huddersfield, West Yorkshire
Ludlow, Shropshire
Ramsgate, Kent
Southsea, Hampshire
Stockport, Greater Manchester
Best pubs to visit in Hastings
The expert noted The Jenny Lind and The First In Last Out (FILO) as two of the best to visit.
He described the latter as a “model of cosiness and bonhomie when Hastings’s weather is not as accommodating as it could be”.
The Jenny Lind says it is “perfectly located in the midst of the medieval Cinque Port of Hastings Old Town”, just a two-minute walk from the beach and the Stade.
The pub says that “real, cask ale is a passion”, with it boasting two “lovely bars” and various garden areas.
The First In Last Out pub is “tucked away in the heart of Hastings Old Town”, described as a ” cosy free house”.
It has been family owned since 1988 and is “best known for its great food, own brewed beers and warm atmosphere”.
The pub has previously been named the best in East Sussex.
A post shared by THE FILO (@filohastings)
Both pubs are highly rated by locals, with each rated a 4.6/5 on Tripadvisor.
One review of the Jenny Lind said: “Excellent ‘free of beer tie’ pub to drink in and stay.
“Lovely staff, delicious house cask ale of Long Man Best Bitter and great live music.
“Also a good selection of other cask ales and keg beers and ciders.
“The best place to stay in Hastings Old Town. Will return soon. Cheers!”
A customer of the First In Last Out, meanwhile, said it is a “lovely pub with attentive, friendly staff”.
Recommended reading:
‘Timeless’ Sussex village with ‘renowned’ pub named one of the poshest in Britain
‘Timeless’ Sussex village with ‘renowned’ pub named one of the poshest in Britain
‘Charming’ Sussex village home to ‘impressive views’ and one of world’s best hotels
‘Charming’ Sussex village home to ‘impressive views’ and one of world’s best hotels
‘Time capsule’ village dubbed ‘prettiest in Sussex’ named among UK’s best to visit
‘Time capsule’ village dubbed ‘prettiest in Sussex’ named among UK’s best to visit
Their review, which praised the “fabulous Sunday roast”, said: “Good portion of rare beef.
“Generous selection of vegetables, amazing cauliflower cheese.
“Nice touches, gravy boat and stuffing!”
Some other popular pubs in Hastings include The Stag Inn, Ye Olde Pumphouse, The Albion, The Seadog, The Dolphin Inn, and more.
Have you visited Hastings before? Let us know in the comments.