Long a social hub for this thriving village on the edge of the South Downs, The Lamb was almost a lost sheep when the Newbon family rescued it in 2012. Charmingly, the bedrooms commemorate former landlords whose very names speak of bygone days – Harry Ragless, Zebedee Peskett, Albert Dodds (with separate lounge/second bedroom, bath and walk-in shower). All have a tasteful, muted palette, oak flooring, a coffee machine, vintage and contemporary furniture, luxury toiletries. James Penfold has its own front door. In the restaurant, alfresco, and in the dog-friendly bar, a locally sourced menu mixes pub classics with creative dishes such as pan-fried cod, orzo, crab, clams, cherry tomato, spinach, pesto, fish sauce. The beaches of Worthing and Littlehampton are just down the road. (JA)