What’s Opening in Sussex in 2026? The Hot New Spots Everyone’s Talking About
Sussex has seen a strong wave of new openings so far in 2026, and word is travelling fast. They’re the kind of places people can’t help but recommend right after visiting.
From quality gastropubs to tranquil cafés that quickly become part of your daily routine, these spots are becoming renowned for their focus on good food, excellent service, and warm atmospheres that you’ll genuinely want to spend time in.
Some are already drawing regulars whilst others are just finding their rhythm, but they are all worth knowing about early. If you like staying ahead of the curve, keep reading to discover the new Sussex spots to pay attention to in 2026.
Crazy Goose
Since its opening in February, Crazy Goose in Brighton has quickly become one of those places that immediately comes to mind when planning a drink or meal out. Located just off West Street and mere moments from Middle Street, this vibrant Brighton gastropub is quietly confident in what it’s doing.
There’s no overdesigned interior or forced concept. Instead, you’ll find a space that feels reassuring and settled, with warm lighting, rustic furniture, and a layout that works whether you’re dropping in for a drink or staying for a full meal.
The menu is where it really lands, leaning into British classics but sharpening them up with a touch of European flair, championing fine wines, local beers, oysters on ice, and comforting pies.
There’s a clear rhythm to both the food and drinks menus, built around vibrancy and sheer personality. Boasting an elegant ground floor bar and a vibrant first floor dining room, the place is made for easy pints and lingering lunches. And it’s a strong contender for your new favourite local.
What makes Crazy Goose stand out is how quickly it feels familiar. You can visit once and already know how your next visit will go. That sense of reliability, which is hard to get right, makes Crazy Goose the kind of place that slots naturally into a routine without losing its edge. And that’s probably why it’s getting so much attention so early on.
Long Lane Hotel
Long Lane Hotel is one of Sussex’s most talked-about openings for 2026, and it’s doing something rather unique. Set to open this summer, it will be the UK’s first sober hotel and members’ club, created by childhood friends and entrepreneurs Loui Blake and Harrison Hide.
The project centres around the restoration of Dunford House in West Sussex, a Grade II listed nineteenth century building that is now being carefully reworked into a 30- bedroom hotel set in 55 acres of national park woodland.
Inside, the focus shifts towards a more considered way of staying and socialising. The private members’ club is designed as a calm, alcohol-free space, offering lounges, work areas, and places to properly switch off.
Dunsford House is less about exclusivity and more about intention and the creation of an environment that supports slower living and wellbeing.
The restaurant will be open to both members and non-members. Food is expected to follow a modern British approach, with an emphasis on quality and seasonality rather than elevated dishes or experimentation.
Alongside this, there will be a steady flow of cultural and wellness-led events, from talks to small gatherings, all aligned with the hotel’s broader outlook.
Long Lane is positioning itself as a place to reset, spend time well, and move away from
the usual habits tied to hospitality. For West Sussex, it feels like a notable shift, and one
that’s likely to draw interest well beyond the local area.
Edge Tea & Coffee
Edge Tea & Coffee’s new openings this April feel like a step up rather than just an expansion. The coffee roastery and tea merchants, known for its fresh and properly sourced hot drinks, has been roasting coffee and blending tea since 1981. Edge is an experienced brand with decades of success behind it with a level of trust already baked in for Sussex residents.
At The Chichester Bike Project, the café boasts an easy, welcoming energy that draws locals in for a quick coffee and ends up holding onto them for longer than they planned.
Cyclists roll in, laptops come out, and there’s a steady hum of people who clearly know they’ve found a good spot. The coffee is strong and consistent, with careful construction that is evident in its taste.
Paired with Edge’s understated but well-made food, it’s hard not to build a place like Edge into your regular routine.
The second site, inside Graylingwell Chapel, is where things really stand out. The space itself is striking, with high ceilings, fantastic natural light, and a sense of calm that you don’t get in most cafés.
It already works as a community hub with events, workshops, and gatherings running through the week, which gives it a natural buzz. It’s a fantastic spot to get your caffeine hit, with delicious roast blends and a welcoming atmosphere that truly feels like a home away from home.
Are there any new openings in Sussex near you we need to know about? Drop us a line, we’d love to check them out.
