The Gribble Inn, a fabulous pub and microbrewery in West Sussex

In the sleepy village of Oving, just 3 miles from the historic city of Chichester and within sight of Goodwood and the South Downs, a chocolate box 16th century thatched cottage is home to a very special pub, restaurant and microbrewery, the Gribble Inn.

Once home to the village school teacher Rose Gribble, the cottage was bought by a local farmer after Rose passed away, and converted into a public house in 1980. The onsite microbrewery dates back to those early days. Over the years the original head brewer passed on his knowledge to his son, Rob, the current head brewer.

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Craft Beer at the Gribble Inn

Every now and again my husband exclaims “Let’s go gribbling!” and I always eagerly agree. The Gribble Inn is so well loved in our household it has become a verb. We splash out on a taxi and are soon snuggling up to the fire in the winter or lazing in the sunny garden in the summer, enjoying a pint of Fuzzy Duck or perhaps Plucking Pheasant. All their ales are excellent and if you can’t make up your mind try a beer flight (3 or  6 glasses holding a third of a pint each). At Christmas try a glass of Santa’s Sack! I’ve heard Rob picks a name and then makes the beer to suit. At 7.5% ABV Wobbler Ale is aptly named.

Food at the Gribble Inn

A visit wouldn’t be complete without tucking into a bite to eat. If it’s a Sunday I can’t resist a roast dinner, or another day I might opt for fish ‘n’ chips. In either case, they’ll leave no room for pudding which is a shame! The solution is to opt for a beer bite – the smaller portions leave a bit of room for one of the delicious desserts, be that a scoop of wobbler ice cream, or perhaps their beeramisu, both made with their own Wobbler Ale!  Whatever I go for I know it’s going to be good. I’d recommend booking a table by calling 01243 786893. You’ll find more about the menu at the end of this post.

If you are in the area be sure to take time to visit the Gribble Inn. There is always a friendly atmosphere and Flint, the pub’s dog is eager to meet you. Dogs, walkers and even well-behaved children are welcome!

Look out for…

If you are interested in the pub’s history look out for the poem Rose Gribble wrote about the village. You’ll find it to the left of the door of the main saloon that leads to the porch. And take a walk through the village and find The Old School where she taught. It’s opposite the village church.

How to get there

By road: Take the A259 connecting Chichester and Bognor. At the Oving roundabout head north on Drayton Lane (B2144). Just after the level crossing take the first right towards Oving, then the first left and you’ll see the Gribble Inn. There’s a small car park around the back.

By train/bus: The nearest railway stations are at Chichester and Bognor. From either station take the 700 bus and alight at Merston Corner (about a 15-minute ride). From here it is a one and a half mile walk (30 minutes). At the roundabout turn north on to Drayton Lane. Just after the level crossing take the first right towards Oving, then the first left and you’ll see the Gribble Inn.

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Menu Highlights

January 2018

Gribble Favourites

Belly of pork slow roasted for 4 hours in cider served with mash & creamed savoy cabbage & bacon, topped with crackling £15.25

Beer battered Haddock, Gribble chips & tartare sauce £13.95 – add mushy or garden peas £1.50

Venison & red wine sausages with creamy mash & redcurrant jus & crispy shallots £12.50

8oz steak burger topped with red onion confit & cheddar served on a brioche bun, lettuce, tomato & gherkin & Gribble chips £12.50

Lentil & bean burger with red onion confit & goats cheese served on a brioche bun, lettuce, tomato, gherkin & Gribble chips £12.50 (This burger is gluten-free ask for a gluten-free bun) (V)

Naked burger; one of our tasty burgers, served in just the same way but without the bun or chips, but a seasonal salad instead £12.50

Beer Bites

Pork & chutney sausage roll £4.00

Brie Wedges with red onion confit £5.95

Beef chilli with chips topped with cheese £7.25

4oz steak burger, cheddar & onion relish served on a brioche bun with a few chips £6.95

Haddock goujons & chips with tartare sauce £7.25

 

Plus, seasonally changing starters, mains, platters and desserts

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More great Sussex pubs and breweries

Langham Brewery, near Midhurst, West Sussex

Sunday Lunch at The Inglenook, Nyetimber, West Sussex

A Stay at the Standard Inn, Rye, East Sussex

More coming soon!