The Eight Bells

The story

The Eight Bells, Eastbourne: Award-Winning Sussex Pub Dining

Roots in the South Downs

The Eight Bells anchors Jevington as a recognised Sussex pub just outside Eastbourne. This independent free house has served the village for generations while steadily refining its British cooking standards. Its commitment to regional produce recently earned two AA Rosettes for culinary excellence alongside the Best Sussex Pub title for 2026. The recognition reflects a straightforward approach that prioritises ingredient quality over complexity.

The Kitchen and Seasonal Menus

Menu planning revolves around what South Downs farmers deliver weekly, so the dishes shift with the weather rather than forcing imported staples into this Sussex kitchen. Plant-based and gluten-free options appear alongside richer plates like lemon sole meunière with brown shrimp and capers, or spinach mint ricotta spanakopita paired with za’atar ratte potatoes. A four or five course tasting menu runs Tuesday through Saturday evenings for groups who want a structured progression. Every dish carries clear provenance without relying on heavy sauces.

Garden Terrace and Private Dining

Landscaped grounds sit behind the main bar, offering shaded tables where weekend barbecues serve market steaks and miso glazed monkfish tails under open skies. A separate private room accommodates bespoke dinners and small celebrations when the weather turns cooler. The space feels unpretentious, favouring sturdy wooden furniture and clear sightlines toward the valley below. Guests often finish with British cooking staples like a glass of Rathfinny wine or a locally brewed ale from the nearby Long Man brewery.