Shoreham’s Best Al-Fresco Dining Spots

Summer’s here and that means al-fresco dining season is upon us. The weather may have put a dampener on some of the Jubilee weekend party picnics but the sun can’t avoid us forever! Whether it’s beachfront barbecues or riverside restaurants, there’s nothing better than enjoying outdoor eats when the temperature allows.

With JetSpace’s Brighton City Airport premises just moments from Shoreham’s historic high street we thought we’d run through some of the best local options for dining outside. Read on for our top picks for al-fresco dining in Shoreham.

Crown & Anchor, High Street

This Shepherd Neame tied pub doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel, offering simple pub classics like fish and chips, burgers and ploughman’s. They also have a range of sandwiches available during the day at prices that aren’t too bad for the area (£6-8). But whilst the food is perfectly enjoyable the real reason to pay a visit to the Crown and Anchor on a pleasant summer’s day is its gorgeous terrace on the river front.

The outdoor area isn’t huge but it’s big enough not to feel cramped when it’s busy and though demand is high in the holidays and at weekends, if you’re just swinging by for a weekday lunch to get out of the office, you should be fine without a booking.

Swiss Cottage, Old Shoreham Road

A little further out from the centre, this Greene-King chain pub won’t win many fans for its beer selection but if you’re looking for somewhere you can bring the family it certainly ticks a lot of boxes. The large car park makes it convenient for drivers and there are plenty of tables dotted around the large grassy garden next to the picturesque duck-filled pond.

It’s another pub with what might be termed an “uncomplicated” menu, so expect fish and chips, pies and burgers etc. but if you’re after somewhere the kids can run around in otherwise tranquil surroundings the Swiss Cottage is a great location, with plenty of space.

Chambers Bistro, High Street

Like the Crown and Anchor, Chambers Bistro is situated by the side of the river and though it doesn’t have a terrace with as many tables as its neighbour, the views it offers are every bit as enjoyable. What’s more, diners lucky enough to grab a spot on Chambers’ terrace can enjoy some of Shoreham’s best seafood.

Alongside the catch of the day are a choice of steaks and specialist sauces as well as other fish, meat and vegetarian dishes. This isn’t pub grub and several of the main courses cost upwards of £25 so it’s less suited for casual occasions, but when you want to push the boat out or are looking to impress your dining companions, this is a glorious spot to settle into. Bookings are recommended in advance if you’re hoping to snag an outside table on a nice day.

Ginger & Dobbs, East St

This deli and produce shop may not have a great deal of outdoor (or even indoor) space but it’s a Shoreham institution and if you’re able to nab a spot out the front, overlooking the church, you won’t regret it. Offering light bites and brunches, along with some incredibly tempting cakes, it’s more suited to a casual soup and a sit down than a more substantial dining experience. But if quick and simple is what you’re after, Ginger & Dobbs can certainly deliver.

Everything here is incredibly fresh and much of it locally sourced yet the prices are very reasonable given the exceptionally high quality. It’s also one of the best coffee shops in the town so if you can’t fit in a light lunch you could do worse than grab a quick latte to take back to work with you!

The Bridge, High Street

Another riverfront pub on the high street? Well when you’ve got a waterside as beautiful as Shoreham’s you’ve got to make the most of it, and the Bridge is the closest venue to JetSpace’s serviced office at Shoreham Airport. This makes it an ideal location to pop out for an impromptu bite on your lunch break when the sun is shining.

From the road this pub doesn’t particularly stand out but looks can be deceiving and once you’re on the riverside it’s very easy to while away an entire afternoon under those blue cloudless skies. The menu here offers more seafood options than the Crown and Anchor but otherwise features a fairly similar selection of classic pub fare such as burgers, steaks and chicken in a basket. There’s perhaps slightly less of a chain kitchen feel to the food available at the Bridge which is reflected in the prices. The burgers here are a couple of quid more than those from down the road.