By Angela Green: Grade II listed pub with rooms set to open in West Sussex.
Independent, family-owned hotel collection Historic Sussex Hotels has announced the opening of The Black Horse, a Grade II listed pub with rooms set in Climping, West Sussex.
Set to open on Thursday 7th March following an extensive renovation, this historic property dates to the 17th Century when it was a smugglers’ inn. Throughout its storied history this community pub has had various names, including the White Horse in 1851 and was the White Swan briefly in 2013.
As part of the careful and considered renovation, the existing downstairs bar area has been stripped back and the parquet wooden floor restored to its former glory. The restoration uncovered a beautiful chimney stack now housing a double-sided wood burner stove, along with carefully polished and repaired original wooden banquette seating and a striking pewter bar. The renovations have also seen the addition of The Ryebank, a stunning oak frame extension filled with light and height with views over the fields. Completing the offering is a gloriously pink private room, perfect for cosy celebrations, a fun family lunch or a noisy dinner party.
The pub will offer an interesting choice of craft beers, fine ales, Sussex wine and locally inspired cocktails. Led by the seasons, the full flavour menus offer traditional pub favourites packed with local ingredients. Signature dishes include ‘Spicy Guinness & Sussex Charmer (cheese) soup’ and ‘Climping beach fish pie’ (catch of the day).
Upstairs are seven charming bedrooms. Entirely reconfigured and renovated, guests can opt to stay in the surprisingly spacious ‘West’ rooms, some with roll top baths, or the cosy ‘East’ rooms, two of which have roof terraces with views over the fields. Each room features locally sourced antique furniture and wallpapers created by friend and neighbour Fiona Howard, who was inspired by the nature and coastline of Sussex. Extremely comfortable mattresses, hand-stitched headboards and fresh cotton bed linen ensure a fantastic night’s sleep.
The surrounding area offers some wonderful walks and just a short stroll from The Black Horse is the coastline of Climping, which is perfect for a windswept walk. A little further on is Littlehampton’s pebble and sand beach and striking East Beach Café designed by architect Thomas Heatherwick. Arundel’s castle and heritage high street are also just a few miles away. In keeping with Historic Sussex Hotels’ dog friendly approach, four-legged guests are welcome both in the pub, the Ryebank and the bedrooms.
Warm, inviting and buzzy, this 17th century pub has long been a popular place for locals to gather and a welcoming place for the community, families and visitors to the area. Restored to its former glory, it’s time to re-ignite this tradition.
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