The Crab & Lobster – Sidlesham, West Sussex

A place for all seasons, this delightful 350-year-old hideaway and sibling of Halfway Bridge is stunningly located at Sidlesham Quay, a grassy expanse on the banks of Pagham Harbour nature reserve, once occupied by a tidal mill. Its views stretch to the distant sea across salt marsh and woodland, with a tracery of creeks. The four attractive, comfortable bedrooms in the renovated 16th-century pub, plus the two-bedroom Crab Cottage next door, are all decorated with stylish simplicity in restful pastel shades. In the top-floor eyrie there are binoculars for a closer look at that remarkable view, and plenty of extras in all the rooms, from fridges to fresh flowers. Downstairs you’ll find slate floors, cream-painted and bare brick walls, smart contemporary furniture and an open fire. And dishes that are just right for the location: perhaps go for the fillet of seabass, Selsey crab fregola and fennel marmalade with sea vegetables, paired with a crisp white wine – perfect. West Wittering beach, the cathedral city of Chichester and Goodwood Racecourse are all within easy reach. 

Doubles from £220

+44 (0)1243 641233; crab-lobster.co.uk