The Swan Inn

The story

The Swan Inn, Pulborough: British Pub Dining in Fittleworth, Sussex

The Swan Inn stands at Lower Street, Fittleworth, RH20 1EL, in the Pulborough area of West Sussex. This British pub and dining room was recommended by Michelin in 2026, and it works as a village pub, bar and restaurant under one roof.

Cooking rooted in local produce

The kitchen keeps things rustic and unfussy, in keeping with the building's centuries of history. South Downs lamb comes from local farmer Jeremy Way, about two miles away, and the wild flower honey comes from an orchard down the road. The menu changes with the seasons, moving from hearty braises and suet crust pies in winter to grilled fish landed that morning and simple vegetable dishes in summer. Expect a cheeseburger or farmhouse cheddar with a ploughman's lunch on the standing list. The Sussex Pond pudding, steamed and finished with lemony butter and sugar, is the pudding to order.

Drinks and the cellar

The taps lean heavily towards British breweries, especially those in Sussex, with Burning Sky's Plateau Pale Ale and Long Man's Old Man among the local ales. The cider list brings in Silly Moo from West Sussex alongside bottles from Normandy. The wine list is built around European producers, with a few New World bottles, and it favours winemakers who work with minimal intervention. Ask for the separate list of off-menu bottles kept in the cellar.

Rooms, the Barn and summer dining

The Barn seats parties of 12 to 26 with a sharing feasting menu of slow roasted joints, whole fish and one-pot dishes, and it can host groups of 25 to 40 with a buffet. In summer, the Courtyard extends the Dining Room's à la carte menu, while the Garden serves wood fired pizzas and homemade soft serve ice cream. The inn also has 12 guest rooms and holds two AA Rosettes for culinary excellence (2026).