“Contemporary waterside 16th Century Inn on the banks of Pagham Harbour Nature Reserve. Chic rooms ooze elegance and simple country charm. Enjoy a menu centred around locally landed fish and locally reared meats. A truly romantic escape with views over the salt marshes.”

Hotel review

Recently renovated, The Crab and Lobster now hosts four bespoke rooms ranging in size and shape - each comfortable, stylish and neutrally toned - and a private little cottage for four. Authentic fireplaces, exposed wooden beams and the catch of the day from nearby Pagham Harbour make this hotel feel quaint and homely.

Fiona Duncan
Fiona Duncan Review published: 02/26/2024

Recommended for

  • Foodies

    • Wonderfully falvoursome cuisine, with seafood from the local fisherman, meat from the local farms and honey from the neighbours!
  • Country Escape

    • An ideal country escape, with plush rooms, mouthwatering cuisine, roaring fires in the cosy bar and plenty of local walking.
  • Other Activities

    • On a wet and windy day, settle in at the polished-pine and brick bar with a bottle of wine and a good book.
  • Great walks

    • Burn off some calories between lunch and dinner with an afternoon stroll on West Wittering's pebbly beach.
  • Birdwatching

    • Binoculars and a telescope are provided for spotting local birds and animals.
  • Sights nearby

    • Check out Fishbourne, a fascinating town with a Roman palace.
  • Owner managed

  • Lively

  • Quiet

  • Less £

  • Views

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Full of character

  • Good wine list

  • House party feel

  • Contemporary

  • Self catering to rent

  • Boutique

  • In/by a Nature Reserve

  • Chic

  • Village

  • Child friendly

  • Disabled access

  • Restaurant with rooms

  • Traditional

  • Gourmet

  • Charming

  • Luxury

  • Intimate

  • Romantic

  • Free wifi

  • Restaurant

  • Secluded setting

Facilities

  • Rooms

    4 rooms in this hotel
  • No pets

  • Parking

  • Bar

  • Fireplace

  • In room DVD

  • Outdoor dining

  • Internet

  • Cots available

  • Views

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Good wine list

  • Self catering to rent

  • Garden

  • Child friendly

  • Disabled access

  • Satellite / Cable TV

  • In room music system

  • Wifi

  • Free wifi

  • Restaurant

Activities

  • Other Activities

    • On a wet and windy day, settle in at the polished-pine and brick bar with a bottle of wine and a good book.
  • Great walks

    • Burn off some calories between lunch and dinner with an afternoon stroll on West Wittering's pebbly beach.
  • Birdwatching

    • Binoculars and a telescope are provided for spotting local birds and animals.
  • Sights nearby

    • Check out Fishbourne, a fascinating town with a Roman palace.

Map & Location

See what they say

Why do people love staying in your hotel? The 350 year old Crab & Lobster offers a relaxed, informal ambience and is situated on the Pagham Harbour Nature Reserve which is an area of outstanding beauty. It offers guests a peaceful, stylish retreat escaping from the daily grind.

What is there to do in the area? We are 9 miles from Chichester and the Chichester Festival Theatre, Pallant House Art Gallery and Chichester Cathedral. A further 2 miles and there is the Goodwood Estate with Glorious Goodwood horseracing, Motor Racing with the Fesival of Speed in July and the Goodwood Revival in September. Closer to us is West Wittering famous for its long sandy beach and sand dunes. Perfect for a picnic which the Crab & Lobster can supply.

What kind of breakfast do you offer? Guests can enjoy a full English Breakfast or choose from our other cooked breakfast menu. Plus there is always fresh fruit, freshly squeezed orange juice, yoghurt, cereal, croissant and toast. All cooked to order.

Do you offer other meals? And can you recommend good places to eat out locally? The Crab & Lobster has a 2 AA Rosette restaurant which is open for lunch and dinner every day and serves food all day at the weekends.There are plenty of good restaurants close by an our favourite is The Richmond Arms, West Ashling or our sister pub The Halfway Bridge Inn, Lodsworth.

Which are your most popular room types, and why? Our guests love Room 4 which is one of our two deluxe rooms and is situated in the eaves of the inn making it a little quirky. It has low ceilings with beams and a fantastic large bathroom with views over the sea and fields.

What message would you like to give Hotel Guru readers? The Crab & Lobster is a gem of a place perfect for those seeking a romantic or relaxing escape.

Other reviews

Crab and Lobster

"The hideaway location of this dapper little inn is special: a grassy expanse once occupied by a tidal mill with views across salt marsh and woodland, interlaced with watery creeks stretching to the sea."

Originally published by The Telegraph

A masterclass in comfort food

"We took in the flagstoned floor, the black roof-beams, the log fire, the exposed brickwork, the soft leather sofa, Mark the welcoming maître d', the candlelight that made the glasses gleam... There was, we agreed, no obvious reason why we should ever leave."

Originally published by Independent

The Crab & Lobster

"The staff were that rare but wonderful balance of attentive without being intrusive, and their recommendations were spot on, so I didn't dare deviate when it came to dessert."

Originally published by Harpers Bazaar

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